Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
Over 90% of older adults experience some form of skin changes, and one of the most common concerns is the development of thin, fragile skin. Understanding what causes thin skin on older adults is the first step toward proper care and prevention, helping maintain skin integrity and reduce injury risk.
Research has shown that the dermis can lose a significant portion of its thickness over time, with studies indicating a reduction of 20-80% in some individuals. This definitively answers: **Does the dermis lose of its mass during the aging process?**—and highlights a core aspect of skin aging that leads to visible changes.
After age 20, the body's collagen production decreases by about 1% each year. This natural decline is a primary reason for the question, **why is my skin so thin as I age?**, as it directly impacts your skin's structural support and thickness.
