Skin and Ageing: A Beginner-Friendly Start
Skin and Ageing: the few things that matter most, and the mistakes that catch people out early.
The changes in skin structure and function that come with age and cumulative UV exposure.
Key takeaways
- Main driver of visible ageing on exposed skin: cumulative UV exposure
- Evidence-based topical: retinoids, with sunscreen
- Most useful single change: Use daily sun protection, which is the single most effective measure.
- Commonest mistake: Sunbeds.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
Why bother
Most visible ageing of exposed skin is photoageing rather than chronological, which makes it substantially preventable.
Start here
Just these two to begin with. The rest can wait.
- Use daily sun protection, which is the single most effective measure
- Stop smoking
Then add these
The next additions, when you are ready for them.
- Use emollients; older skin is drier and more fragile
- Check skin regularly, as skin cancer risk rises with age
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Main driver of visible ageing on exposed skin | cumulative UV exposure |
| Evidence-based topical | retinoids, with sunscreen |
| Smoking | accelerates skin ageing measurably |
| Skin thinning with age | increases bruising and tearing risk |
Common early mistakes
- Sunbeds
- Expensive products with no evidence over basic sun protection
- Ignoring new or changing lesions as "just age spots"
Where to go next
- Skin and Ageing: A Practical Checklist
- Skin and Ageing: Separating Myth From Guidance
- Skin and Ageing — the reference entry
- Itching: What the Evidence Actually Says
- Sun Protection: What the Evidence Actually Says
When to speak to a doctor
See a GP about any new, changing or non-healing skin lesion, which becomes more common with age and should never be assumed to be a harmless age spot. Report skin tears, delayed healing or easy bruising, which can indicate medication effects or an underlying condition.
Where this comes from
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarised or generalised beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to a GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 999.
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