Have you noticed that the veins on the back of your hands seem more visible than they used to? Perhaps your skin bruises more easily, tears after a minor bump, or has developed a thin, almost papery texture. These changes can be surprising, especially when you haven’t done anything differently. So why does skin become more delicate as we get older?

The answer lies in changes happening beneath the surface. As we age, our skin gradually loses some of the structural support, cushioning, and moisture that help keep it strong and resilient. While some of these changes are inevitable, others are influenced by factors we can control.