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The Human Cell Atlas project -

Scientists on The Human Cell Atlas project have discovered how the human body produces skin from a stem cell. This means that they now understand how skin is created and have begun trying to replicate it. If this research is successful, it will be possible to use stem cells to rejuvenate the skin and reduce wrinkles. Unfortunately, this is still some way off, but progress is being made so watch this space!

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Changes that can happen to your skin as you get older -

Aging is an inevitable part of life, and as we grow older, our bodies undergo various changes. Since the skin is the largest organ of the human body, it’s no surprise that you may start noticing changes with each passing year. But what should we look out for? And are there any changes that we should be concerned about?

This gallery features some of the most common things that happen to your skin as you get older. Click to discover more.

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Actinic keratosis -

Ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds causes raised, crusty growths called actinic keratosis. Most people have more than one; they are usually red but can be tan or pink in color. They can turn cancerous if not treated, so see a doctor if you spot them on your skin.

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Seborrheic keratosis -

Seborrheic keratosis is characterized by tan or brown spots, typically appearing after middle age. They are harmless but can look like pre-cancer growths, so it's best to get them checked by a healthcare provider.

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Age spots -

Age spots or liver spots are small dark patches that often appear in places frequently exposed to the sun, like your face, hands, shoulders, and arms. They're common in people over the age of 50.

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Cherry angioma -

Cherry angiomas are small, red bumps made up of small blood vessels. They appear after the age of 30 and are usually found on or near the chest, stomach, and back.

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Skin tags -

Skin tags are soft, skin-colored growths. Most are harmless and usually form on the chest, neck, armpits, or around the groin. They can get irritated if clothes or jewelry rubs against them.

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Solar elastosis -

Solar elastosis is characterized by thick, yellow skin that appears bumpy or creased. It's common in people who have experienced long-term sun exposure.

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Varicose veins -

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins, usually on the legs. They typically develop when blood flow is obstructed. Varicose veins can appear at any age but are more likely to develop after the age of 50.

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Spider veins -

Spider veins are broken blood vessels that often appear on the legs, ankles, feet, and face. Causes include hormonal changes, injury, or exposure to ultraviolet rays. 

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Leg ulcers -

People over the age of 65 are at risk of leg ulcers. Blood flow issues make it easier for the skin on the lower legs and feet to get injured. If bacteria enter the broken skin, the whole area can become infected.

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Contact dermatitis -

Contact dermatitis comes in two forms. Allergic contact dermatitis happens after you touch things like certain plants or cosmetic ingredients.

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Contact dermatitis -

Irritant contact dermatitis may be caused by exposure to irritants like soaps, detergents, and heavily chlorinated water.

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Contact dermatitis and aging -

As you get older, contact dermatitis may not respond as well to normal treatments. A doctor will be able to prescribe medication to soothe the itch.

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Bruising -

Bruises occur when blood vessels break and leak blood into areas under the skin. As you get older, the skin gets thinner and loses fat, which can make you bruise more easily.

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Sagging skin -

When you age, collagen production slows, and over time, skin loses its elasticity. From the age of 40, people notice their neck skin begins to sag and wrinkle.

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Itchy skin -

Aging causes the skin to get drier, which can result in itching. However, if itching lasts longer than two weeks or covers the whole body, it could be a sign of kidney disease, lack of iron, or thyroid or liver problems.

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Skin cancer -

Most skin cancer cases are diagnosed in people older than 65. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is most frequently diagnosed among those aged 65 to 74. 

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Wrinkles -

Wrinkles occur when the skin gets thinner, drier, and less elastic, and are an inevitable part of aging. Dynamic wrinkles tend to appear when people are in their 30s, while static wrinkles appear in their 40s or 50s.

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Celebrities who embrace their aging skin: Meryl Streep -

In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine in 2010, actress Meryl Streep said she'd chosen to age gracefully and had never had Botox.

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Helen Mirren -

Oscar-winner Helen Mirren embraces getting older and champions changing the narrative around aging.

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Susan Sarandon -

American actress and activist Susan Sarandon has previously denied having Botox and believes staying engaged, curious, and having fun are essentials for maintaining beauty.

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Sunscreen -

Skin cancer, solar elastosis, and age spots can all be avoided by staying out of the sun and wearing sunscreen every day.

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Avoid tanning -

Avoid tanning, both indoors and outdoors, as too much sun can cause skin discoloration and damage to elastin and collagen.

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Healthy diet -

Fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants that help protect the skin from cellular damage caused by free radicals (triggered by smoking, pollution, and sunlight).

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Avoid smoking -

The toxins in cigarette smoke damage collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin. Smoking can also cause liver spots and skin cancer.

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Chemical peels -

A chemical peel, a cosmetic treatment that involves using acids to exfoliate the skin, can help to minimize signs of sun damage and aging.

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Changing position often -

Being in one position for an extended period of time can put pressure on veins and increase varicose vein risk. Change positions every 30 minutes to increase blood flow.

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Maintaining a healthy weight -

While skin tags can't be fully prevented, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your chances of getting them. 

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Manage stress -

Stress can cause increased inflammation and slow down wound healing. Manage stress with mindfulness and meditation. 

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Regular exercise -

Regular exercise may help reduce the effects of aging on the skin by increasing circulation and collagen production.

Sources: (WebMD) (NHS)

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