Aging skin (ICD-10 L98.9: Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified) is associated with a loss of collagen and elastin fibers. This leads to:
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- Decrease of the horny layer as well as cornification disorder.
- Decrease in sebaceous and sweat gland secretion (xeroderma/dry skin).
- Irregular melanin production
- Emergence of pigment spots
- Age itching of the skin
Frequency peak: biological skin aging (synonyms: photoaging; skin wrinkles; light aging; photoaging) begins in women between the ages of 25 and 30, and in men from the age of 35. Around the age of 40, the first age-related skin changes become visible.
Course and prognosis: Skin aging per se cannot be stopped, but it can be slowed down by an appropriate lifestyle (healthy diet, limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day), nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco consumption), plenty of fresh air and sun protection.