How to Develop Thicker Skin

Practically speaking, or I should say physically speaking, there are, believe it or not, steps that can be taken to "thicken" one's skin!

In Do We Need a Thicker Skin?, we discussed how to do this metaphorically, out in the world when life's slings & arrows cause unexpected bruises.

NYC dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Julie Karen kicked off the discussion by explaining that the thinning skin is caused by slowed collagen growth and other subcutaneous tissue structures getting redistributed, "all of which contribute to thinned skin. Thinned skin translates into skin that is more fragile, loose and sagging." She adds that as the skin thins, underlying blood vessels can become more evident.

All of these changes are the result of both internal and external factors – genetics and the natural aging process, plus ultraviolet exposure and factors like smoking.

Fortunately, she says, there are things you can do to combat these unwelcome changes:.

• "Daily use of a broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen on all exposed surfaces is critical to halt further aging from occurring. Remember these changes affect not only facial skin, but hands, neck, chest, etc." Which means: cover everything.

• "Topical retinoids help to normalize the skin turnover process and increase collagen production. A pea-sized amount applied nightly can reduce appearance of fine lines and help to combat the natural aging/thinning process." I've seen this work with my little tube of Retin-A. Now where is that thing?
• "Other topical ingredients than can be beneficial include: alpha-hydroxy acids (i.e., glycolic acid) and polyhydroxy acids (the next generation alpha-hydroxy acids) that help stimulate skin cell renewal and can slow and reverse signs of skin aging/thinning." (These ingredients and a mild topical retinoid are the basis of the Exuviance Age Reverse line, she says. I tried this and really think I see a difference in the lines around my mouth.)
• "For more severe thinning, there are a number of lasers and light-based devices that can stimulate the formation of new collagen and help to reverse these undesirable changes.
• Finally, for thinning of subcutaneous tissues, injectable soft-tissue fillers can rejuvenate and revolumize.

From Dr. David Bank, president of the New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, explains it this way with regard to women in their 40s and 50s:

Dr Bank also suggest certain minimally invasive procedures:

• Fillers for the lower part of face where volume lost in the cheek area. A little bit of filler can restore cheekbones that have dropped a bit. (Although you have to be careful. I have a friend who does this who always comes back initially looking like there are corners on the tops of her cheeks. The good think is, it wear s off.)
• To smooth out of the surface of skin, he suggests trying Glycoderm ("a great 20-minute procedure, at lunch time, no downtime) for deep cleaning & smoothing and cleaning out skin."
• In terms of color, tone and texture, "a diode laser for broken blood vessels, V-Beam laser, and Fraxel for overall rejuvenation."

Dr Bank stresses that thicker moisturizers are needed now "because lighter, oil-free products are no longer thick enough." Try oil-based moisturizers and sunscreen "without worry about clogging pores, to get hydration that [you] will need (Dove, Olay)."

Collagen loss is accelerated by ultraviolet light from the sun so you should definitely use sunscreen with SPF 30."

He also recommends anti-oxidants (best at night) to fight free radicals and prevent any more fine lines and wrinkles.

Bottom line: Sunscreen! Fillers if you want. Lasers if you need. Thicker moisturizers liberally applied.

And remember: as we touched on in Do We Need a Thicker Skin?, Susan Shapiro Barash suggests finding a good mirror — and by that she means "mirroring" friends that have a similar sensibility to you. That will always give you a true reflection of who you are, and how beautiful.

Other strategies for staying youthful:

Does Art Keep You Young?