#2: Can Thin Skin Be Thickened? The short answer: yes, skin can be thickened. While you can't entirely reverse the process of skin thinning, there are ways to increase collagen, repair elastin, and improve your skin's overall appearance.
Drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet can also improve the appearance of thinning skin. Try to eat a diet that includes plenty of fish, fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy oils. Talk to your doctor about taking these supplements that can support skin health: Vitamin C.
Aging, sun exposure and genetics all play a role in thinning skin. Certain medications, such as long-term use of corticosteroids, also can weaken the skin and blood vessels in the skin. Thin skin isn't necessarily a sign of an underlying medical condition.
There isn't a natural way to reverse thin skin caused by aging. However, there is a link between nutrition and skin health, meaning skin health can be improved by following a healthy diet.
The most common sign of thin skin is that it seems almost transparent. In such cases, the individual may be able to see his/her tendons, bones, or veins very easily. This skin type is prone to damage, and patients may even notice tears or bruises on their skin after the most minor injuries.
Vitamin C helps to plump the skin and encourage the production of collagen. This helps the skin to thicken when used regularly.
Topical retinoids are a mainstay in reversing thin skin. Multiple studies report improvement of skin atrophy after topical tretinoin was applied to the forearms in photoaged skin of older adults. Topical retinoids have been shown to stimulate epidermal hyperplasia, possibly by inducing HB-EGF.
Vitamin C–squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin.
A: Collagen supplements aren't the best option if you want to improve the appearance of your skin. That's mainly because there's no evidence-based science to prove they work ― or that they're safe. A few small studies have shown limited improvement in skin texture with collagen supplements.
Vitamin E, found in foods such as almonds and avocados, can also support skin health. The fats in these foods may help to keep the skin supple. Using creams that contain vitamin A, also known as retinol or retinoids, may help to prevent skin from thinning further.
Loss of fat in our face
As we age, these areas of fat begin to diminish. This allows the skin to sag. The areas where fat loss is most noticed is in the temples, under the eyes, and in the cheek area. When the fat pads under our eyes diminish, it can give us a tired or hollow look.
Both collagen and elastin give our soft tissue and skin stretch and resilience. Fibroblasts start to become less active as early as our twenties, so skin thinning can begin when we are still very young (1). Most people won't notice this until they reach their sixties and their skin becomes more fragile and delicate(2).
Vitamin C serums help to thicken the skin by adding collagen. Collagen-rich skin is less likely to wrinkle than thinner skin. Vitamin C serums have also been shown to improve skin tone. It is often used to treat hyperpigmentation, a common skin condition that occurs when the skin produces too much melanin.
Studies show that supplements like collagen, vitamin C, and multivitamins may help improve certain aspects of skin appearance like hydration and wrinkles, while probiotics and omega-3s could be helpful for people with skin conditions such as acne.
Retinol and Retinoids
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been shown to improve skin elasticity when combined with vitamin C. 14 Retinol and retinoids can be found in many over-the-counter skin products and prescription medications.
Thick skin is present on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. This is because these areas receive more friction than other areas of the body, and thicker skin helps to protect from potential damage. The epidermis of thick skin can be up to 1.5 mm .
The short answer: yes, skin can be thickened. While you can't entirely reverse the process of skin thinning, there are ways to increase collagen, repair elastin, and improve your skin's overall appearance.
Prescription topical retinoids
Retinoids are a class of medication derived from Vitamin A. Prescription topical retinoids are very effective at reducing and preventing the visible signs of skin damage due to UV exposure. Your dermatologist can discuss the best retinoid or product for your skin's needs.