What Causes Thin Skin in the Elderly?
Why Does Skin Thin as We Age?
Thin skin occurs due to a combination of biological and environmental factors. Some of the biggest contributors include:
Collagen and elastin are two key proteins that are responsible for the skin’s structure and flexibility. As we age, we produce less of both proteins, which means the skin loses its thickness and elasticity progressively. As this process advances, the skin becomes more prone to the telltale signs of aging we know to look for like wrinkles and sagging, and susceptibility to tearing or bruising.
We may not like sebum - our skin’s natural oil- very much when we’re teens, but the fact is, this helpful oil is crucial for maintaining hydration and protecting against external irritants. As we get older, we produce less sebum, making our skin drier and more fragile, which contributes to thinning.
A rich summer tan may leave you looking “sunkissed”, but what’s actually happening to your skin’s inner layers is far less appealing. Prolonged exposure to UV rays accelerates the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastic fibers in the skin. Sun damage accumulates over our lifetime, leaving those who spend a little too much time in catching rays without proper protection more susceptible to thin skin and other serious kinds of damage like melanoma.
The epidermis (outer skin layer) becomes thinner, while the dermis (inner skin layer) loses its supportive components due to the loss of collagen and elastin. This dual-layer thinning results in reduced strength and resilience, making the skin more prone to injury.
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, and chronic health conditions, like diabetes, can contribute to thin skin by impairing the body’s ability to repair and regenerate tissue.
How to Address and Manage Thin Skin
Thinning skin is a natural part of aging, meaning that while we can never fully avoid it, there are steps you can take to protect and improve it, such as:
Hydration and Nutrition
Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, is important for supporting skin heath and collagen production later in life.
Protective Skincare
Fun in the sun is still a great way to spend warmer days, but requires a little more attention when it comes to pre and post care. Wear and SPF of at least 30 daily, even on cloudy days where you may think you’re safe from harm.
Gentle Care
Harsh soaps and exfoliants can wreak havoc on our skin, stripping them of essential oils that help protect against dryness and damage. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers that revitalize your skin instead of leaving it red and painful.
Discover the Power of Methylene Blue and Aqua Miraculourm
At Bloo Pharmaceutica, we’re dedicated to helping individuals care for their skin at every stage of life. Our Methylene Blue-based product, Aqua Miraculorum, offers an innovative solution to combat the effects of aging, including thin skin to help you stay radiant and comfortable at any age.
LEARN MORE HERE!Frequently Asked Questions
Most users don’t have that experience, and those that do see some staining report it is very minor and comes off with ordinary cleaning or with a little bleach if really necessary. Disposable plastic travel tub liners are included and recommended for those with tub staining concerns. We always recommend draining the tub immediately after usage so as to limit exposure time of bathwater, just in case. Note: users with tubs that have pitted, porous surfaces, or uneven surfaces, are more likely to see staining.
Yes. Although experiences may vary, we say it is best to avoid using white textiles with Aqua Miraculorum altogether. Methylene Blue staining is particularly difficult to remove from fabric.
No. Pure Methylene Blue itself is highly staining, but Aqua Miraculorum, once dissolved in the bath, is formulated to gain the greatest benefit with little to no risk of staining your skin.
No. Follow the instructions and use only one sachet per full or nearly full standard bathtub. There is zero benefit to adding more than one sachet per standard full bathtub, and doing so can actually create an opposite effect to what is desired. In some instances some users with long exposure times have noticed a slight blue staining of cuticles or white/pale nail polish/gel. This fades quickly after drying and ordinary hand washing with soap.
As mentioned in our instructions insert, we recommend avoiding light colored (such as blonde or gray or color treated) hair contacting the bathwater.
For best results, you should spend at least 15-20 minutes, but spend as long as you like. After 3 to 4 hours the possibility of staining the tub rises, so to avoid possibility of blue staining the tub, remember to drain the tub immediately after your bath.
Most will see some hydration and reduced pore size within 30 minutes after the first bath, but much more after 24 hours. We recommend taking 3-5 baths within the first 2 week period to see noticeable improvements. We recommend continuing with one or more baths per week to maintain progress.
No. Please don’t. Aqua Miraculorum is for external use only.
No. It is best not to open the sachet at all. The powder inside the paper sachet can stain almost anything blue, so take care not to open the paper sachet. This is why the bath treatment is packaged to minimize contact prior to dropping the entire paper sachet in the tub water..
