If you look at the old people, you can find their skin very soft and with multiple layers of fold. As we grow old, the fat molecules in the skin reduce and so the thin becomes thin and saggy. Collagen and elastin are responsible for giving the skin glowing softness. The skin also reduces in texture with the reduction of hormone testosterone. Since the skin becomes very thin, it no more serves as protective outer cover for underlying blood vessels and tissues.
Causes :
Primary cause for skin thinning is old-age. It loses elasticity and moisture and becomes thin and saggy prone to wear and tear. Since the cell division process in the skin reduces drastically as one age, it will directly affect the skin texture making it thinner and thinner with almost no cell rejuvenation.
Exposure to sun’s powerful UV rays also causes thin skinning. You can see the hands and arms grow much thinner in skin texture when compared with other parts of the body. The reason is these parts are constantly exposed to sun’s radiation directly.
The dermis is the deep layer of the skin lying below the epidermis becomes prone to sun’s radiation for prolonged time will cause significant damage and injury to the collagen fibers of the skin. This in turn will make the skin to lose its elasticity ultimately making it very delicate and fragile.
Genetics play a part in determining the skin color and texture and if you have family history of skin thinning after certain age; certainly it will cause its effect on your skin too.
The skin thinning happens due to the adverse effect of certain medicines like corticosteroids which damages the blood vessels of the skin. People who have skin disorders and infection will have thin skin even at younger age when compared to other healthy individuals.