Dermatologic and cosmetic concerns of the older woman

The cutaneous signs of aging including wrinkles, solar lentigines ("liver spots"), and telangiectasias are primarily the result of repeated exposures to ultraviolet light (photoaging). Chronologic aging, and in women, estrogen withdrawal also exert an effect on the structure and function of the epidermis and dermis. In this article, the relative roles of these three factors are discussed, as are the most common skin lesions found in the older woman. Lastly, the therapeutic options available for the treatment of these age-associated cutaneous disorders are outlined.