As time goes by, our bodies inevitably change. Some age-related physical transformations may even come as a surprise to those affected. Our hair and skin are, more often than not, the two features that will undergo the biggest changes. These are natural and should not be feared, but instead identified and tackled appropriately. There are various preventative methods and treatments to help your body adapt to the passage of time.
Hair
From the age of 60, individuals will start to notice changes in the condition of their hair. It may become thinner in diameter and may gradually shed more. Women in particular can suffer from a ferritin deficiency—a lack of iron stored in the hair which can lead to hair loss. This is usually caused by menopause, which speeds up age-related physical changes as a result of androgens being released into the body. As they age, both men and women will notice that sebum (oil) levels in the scalp decrease, leading to a dry scalp and a more brittle texture to the hair.
How to treat a dry scalp: An effective method for treating a dry scalp and brittle hair is to nourish the affected area with stimulating anti-androgenic drops. These are available online or in pharmacies. You may consider trying moisturising masks; these can be left to soak into the hair follicles overnight for the best results. You can even take preventative measures such as using a gentler hairbrush with a cushioned base and rounded prongs to avoid extra hair breakage. If you feel that your hair has shown no improvement, consult with your doctor. They may prescribe supplements to boost your hemoglobin—the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues—with vitamin C and iron.
Skin
Your skin acts as a protective barrier between internal tissues and the environment. It is, therefore, only natural that the passage of time will leave its mark on this important organ. As you mature, your skin will naturally retain less moisture, causing dry patches more prone to wrinkles. The dermis, or middle layer of the skin, starts to break down more collagen and elastin as time goes on. As a result of this, the skin may change in texture, losing some elasticity and firmness. Environmental and biological factors may also start to affect the appearance of the skin. The degree to which these changes occur will all depend on your lifestyle: diet, activity level and even geographical location all have a part to play. Sunspots and freckles will emerge on those who have frequently used less sun protection than others over the years. Ageing skin is also more prone to conditions such as psoriasis—a non-contagious disorder that causes dry, red and flaky patches of skin often with silvery scales. This relatively common ailment will usually remain localised to certain areas on the body and can cause discomfort and itching around the scalp, arms, knees and elbows.
