The skin

  • The epidermis retains the capacity to regenerate until advanced old age but ages considerably, and becomes thinner and more transparent (decrease in mitosis) (Theimer 1981, 276/262)
  • Decrease in collagen (the main component of the dermis), depletion of fluid by 10-15% (Meema/Reid in Theimer 1973, 277; Bürger/Schlomka 1928, 111)
  • High level effect of exogenous factors (e.g. exposure)