Skin condition changes as we grow older. As age advances, complexion looks dull and skin tone diminishes. With age, sweat and oil glands decrease in number and size. Sagging and wrinkling is evident with loss of total mass.

Skin loses it's elasticity with breakdown of collagen and elastic fibres. Blood vessels decrease in number, resulting in slowing down of circulation.

Sunlight, cigarette smoke and environmental pollution accelerate ageing of skin.

Sunlight protection in the form of caps, umbrella and sun-screen agents can retard ageing changes. No other form of intervention, either taken internally or applied externally, will alter the ageing process, with the possible exception of Retinoic acid (Vitamin A Acid). Retinoic acid will not prevent ageing, but can normalize keratinization in photo-damaged skin.

Vitamin-E applied locally will not cure scars or retard ageing. Only when taken internally, vitamin-E has anti-oxidant properties (can protect skin from photo-ageing).

Dr. Kiran Godse Skin Specialist Laksh-Deep Hospital