• Question: Why do older people have thinner skin?

    Asked by bethj to Carolyn, Peter, Richard, Sara, Siana on 16 Nov 2015.
    • Photo: Richard Unwin

      Richard Unwin answered on 16 Nov 2015:

      During our life our bodies are constantly being damaged and we have excellent systems for repairing and fixing cells and tissue. However, it’s never perfect and there are only a limited number of time we can do it, so over time some tiny bits of damage build up and make these systems work less well (wear and tear) – and that’s ageing. Skin is affected – your skin is constantly replacing itself as the outside layers get shed off. This process becomes less efficient, and the skin gets thinner as fewer ‘layers’ are added.

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