[Aging skin: physiological bases, preventive measures and therapeutic modalities]

The average lifespan has increased considerably in our society. Since the skin represents the most visible organ of ageing, there is increasing interest in the physiology and treatment of wrinkles, elastosis and senile xerosis. Cutaneous ageing is a complex phenomenon consisting of genetically determined intrinsic ageing and extrinsic ageing, the latter due to sun exposure, cigarette smoking and exposure to irritants. A number of biological changes can be found during the cutaneous ageing process, including decrease of epidermal, dermal and subcutaneous cellular components and changes in the immune system. Treatment modalities include the use of emollients in the treatment of senile xerosis, and topical retinoic and glycolic acid preparations, chemical peels, botulinum, collagen and hyaluronic acid injections, dermabrasion, CO2, and Nd:Yag laser resurfacing in the treatment of wrinkles.