skin disorders
Effects of Aging on the Skin
Introduction
Aging results in thinning of the Dermis and causes most of the skin changes that people commonly associate with aging (see Overview of Sunlight and Skin Damage ). Long-term exposure to the ultraviolet radiation in sunlight causes fine and coarse wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, brown and red spots, and the rough texture of sun-exposed skin. It also increases the risk of skin cancers. Sun damage produces most of the skin changes that people commonly think are due to aging. (See also Structure and Function of the Skin .) 