As humans age, the texture and elasticity of their skin changes. The primary reason for this change is damage by the UV rays of the sun, but also because the body slows its production of various components in skin, including collagen. And women, it seems, have it worse. According to a new report in Optics Letters, women's skin loses collagen at an earlier age than men.
The study, conducted in Germany, used a new laser technique to look at the levels of collagen and elastin in facial skin of both men and women. They compared changes between the sexes in different age groups and found that women's skin contains less collagen than equally aged male counterparts.
The reason for this may be the decline in estrogen that occurs during menopause, or it could be a protective effect of androgens in the body, of which men generally have more of.
Collagen makes up the connective tissue of skin, it provides the strength and firmness in skin. Another component of skin that changes with age, elastin, keeps skin tight and smooth, and its loss is associated with wrinkles.
The study was the first to use a new laser technique that offers a non-invasive choice for dermatologists to examine the structure of the skin. The conventional means has been to take a biopsy to examine the skin layers from the epidermis (upper layers) to the dermis (where collagen and elastin are).
One can protect the collagen in their skin by using a sunscreen that blocks the damaging UV rays. Sunscreen use can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and prolong the life of your skin.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 10, 2006 01:32 PM
