Have you noticed that your skin more easily bruises as you age? This is a common concern as many patients present with mature skin that is often dry and also prone to bruising. Why is this so?
As we age our skin becomes more easily bruised due to decreased blood flow, reduction in connective tissue, loss of subcutaneous fat to support skin structure as well as medications and supplements. Atrophy, or thinning of the skin, also renders the skin more susceptible to the effects of minor trauma.
In many cases, insult to the skin is minor and patients may have difficulty identifying what trauma induced the bruising. While some people believe that they “bruise for no reason,” such minor trauma causes red blood cells to leak in the skin, producing flat red to purple bruises. Residual brown pigmentation may appear after the bruise resolved, and can last up to several weeks.
Despite the role genetics and aging play, there are ways to lessen the likelihood of bruises occurring.
- Minimizing trauma to the skin is key. Simple tasks such as gardening or hitting the skin on an object may result in bruising.
- Wearing gloves and/or long sleeves may help prevent bruising.
- Avoiding frictional trauma, such as hanging a purse on your forearms, can aid in avoiding bruising.
- Avoiding certain medications before cosmetic procedures, such as botox or fillers, is also likely to reduce your tendency to bruise.
Proper hydration of the skin with over-the-counter moisturizers and emollients works to protect the skin from the outside world. Newer topical “bruise formulations” such as DerMend contain ceramides, arnica, alpha hydroxy acid and retinol to rejuvenate mature skin and help restore and repair the skin’s natural barrier.
These steps will assist in limiting the occurrence of bruises of delicate skin as we age and help you to put your best skin forward!