The Correlation Between Longevity and Your Skin

by: Donna Wright 

At a recent reunion, I was quite surprised at how some people were the bearers of premature aging while others look like they had discovered “the fountain of youth.” 

It got me wondering whether those people with noticeably beautiful skin were any healthier than those with visible wrinkles. In other words, is there a link between poorly aging skin and overall health? And does premature aging of the skin and looking older mean a shorter lifespan? 

The answer may come as a surprise as there are many common misconceptions about skin health. The most important reality is that your skin health is not just about whether or not you have a face full of wrinkles and age spots. Skin plays a vital role in your overall health, and your overall health affects your longevity. 

Let’s explore the correlation between skin, health, and longevity.  

What is Skin?  

Skin, the largest organ in the body, is perhaps the most visible sign of one's health. Skin is a vital barrier against infection and plays a key role in regulating body temperature. And visible changes in the skin may indicate health issues going on inside the body. In fact, skin conditions can reflect hydration levels, nutrition issues, and negative effects of stress.  

Skin diseases and chronic inflammation may signal underlying health issues and those health issues could affect your longevity. That’s why it’s critically important to seek medical advice from your family physician or dermatologist if you see differences in your skin’s appearance. 

What is Dermatology? 

Dermatology is the medical specialty that aids in both the health and clinical appearance of skin. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat chronic skin conditions whether acne breakouts or unexplained skin rashes, as well as conduct skin cancer screenings to catch potential health issues. 

A patient can learn a lot from dermatological experts, including how to avoid premature aging of the skin and get aesthetic procedures like facials for the removal of blackheads, Botox injections for removal of lines and wrinkles, and lasering to remove sun spots. If you’re trying to maintain healthy aging skin, your dermatology staff can suggest effective skincare regimens and prescribe heavy duty anti-aging skin creams. Whatever the issue, a dermatologist can diagnose and treat skin issues that could potentially affect long term health and longevity. 

How Does Skin Care Affect Longevity? 

At first thought, you may be thinking that longevity in skin care involves lotions and potions to treat wrinkles. But it’s much more than that. Longevity refers to the ability to maintain overall health and long-term vitality and resilience, prolonging the typical expected decline associated with aging.  

Many factors, including hormonal changes, influence how aging affects the skin. But most noticeably, the outer layer of the skin gets thinner, paler, less elastic, drier, and wrinkles begin to appear.  In addition, as we age, blood vessels get more fragile causing the skin to bruise more easily. Preserving the skin’s ability to do its job of protecting the body, regulating temperature, retaining moisture, and repairing itself is an important part of overall longevity. But there’s more to the skin. Oftentimes, internal health issues can be diagnosed through indicators that appear on skin level. Those indicators can play a critical role in healthy living, by allowing for early treatment and thereby promoting longevity. 

Skin Indicators Lead to Early Treatments That Can Promote Longevity 

Unlike a car that can have a dent or scratch on the exterior that does not affect the mechanical operation of the car under the hood, changes to your skin’s appearance can tell a different story. You see, if a dermatologist spots a skin condition that is not age-related, it could be an important indicator that a health issue may be going on inside your body.  

Chronic health conditions that afflict aging adults, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease, can show up on the surface of the skin. A physician can determine whether a skin change is part of normal aging, like wrinkles, bruising, age spots, and skin tags, and diagnose other changes that may indicate more serious health conditions that can affect longevity.  

Here are some common skin indicators of potential underlying health issues: 

:: Dark, irregular-shaped spots or moles may be indicators of melanoma skin cancer. 

:: Chronic pale, dry skin that does not improve with basic moisturizer may be a symptom of Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). 

:: Velvety dark patches could indicate diabetes as the discoloration and skin texture may correlate with insulin resistance. 

:: Butterfly shaped rash that forms to the right, left, and above the nose, resembling a butterfly shape, may be an early indicator of autoimmune diseases. 

:: Rosacea, a facial redness and acne-like bumps may indicate digestive issues, gut inflammation, and microbiome imbalances.  

:: Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin may indicate liver disease. 

:: Cyanosis, a bluish tint on skin may indicate respiratory or cardiovascular issues. 

:: Thickened skin may be a sign of diabetes or thyroid disorders. 

:: Sudden hair loss may indicate hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular issues, or autoimmune diseases. 

:: Digital nail clubbing, also known as curved nails, may indicate lung or heart disease. 

:: Nail discoloration may be a sign of kidney disease as the kidney’s struggle to eliminate waste products.  

:: Hives, itchy, raised red or skin-colored welts typically indicate an allergic reaction. 

:: Cold sores, painful, fluid-filled blisters may indicate a contagious viral infection. 

:: Psoriasis, red, scaly patches may indicate autoimmune conditions. 

:: Eczema, chronic itching and inflammation can be linked to allergies or stress. 

Should you notice any skin changes that could be a health-related indicator alerting you to a potential problem, time is of the utmost importance to seek professional medical advice. Early treatment for an underlying health condition is an important factor to promote longevity. 

Skin Cancer and the Importance of Sun Protection for Longevity 

Discussing the correlation between skin and longevity, we must discuss the “elephant in the room,” the scariest of skin diagnoses, skin cancer. It’s a diagnosis that affects millions of people each year, a startling statistic but sadly true and a wake-up call for everyone.  

What is skin cancer? Skin cancer occurs because of abnormal skin cell growth, oftentimes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. Unlike other cancers, skin cancer is often visible on the skin’s surface and can appear in many different shapes and sizes, on any part of the body. When found early, skin cancer can often be cured with proper treatment. Skin screenings are an important tool to catching it early so that critical treatment can begin. 

Types of skin cancer: 

:: Basal Cell Carcinoma – Most common, least aggressive type, appears as a bump or flat, skin-colored lesion most often on face, head, neck, arms, and other body parts. 

:: Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Also common, appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface. Typically grows slowly, should be treated as soon as possible once detected to avoid spreading. 

:: Melanoma - Most dangerous form of skin cancer, appears as an irregular, multicolored lesion, mole, or dark spot. Develops when melanocytes grow uncontrollably, and undetected, it can quickly spread (metastasize) to other body parts. 

UV exposure over the years increases the risk of skin cancers. That’s why it’s important to get regular dermatological check-ups to catch any questionable skin markings and help maintain skin health as you’re aging. Remember, continuous use of sunscreen can help reduce skin cancer risk and help prevent skin damage, thereby contributing to longevity. 

Here are some tips to lessen skin cancer risk and help keep your skin healthy: 

:: Limit time in direct sun. 
:: Use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher.  
:: Wear protective clothing, hat, and sunglasses.   
:: Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.   
:: Avoid the sun when taking medications that make skin more sensitive to sun exposure. 

Lifestyle Factors on Skin Aging and Longevity 

The same key factors that can affect your health and longevity can impact the condition of your skin as well. You see, healthy habits that promote longevity and overall well-being can also have positive effects on your skin. Here are some lifestyle factors that help to enhance overall health, slow skin aging, and improve longevity: 

:: Maintain balanced nutrition 
:: Stay hydrated by drinking water 
:: Don’t smoke cigarettes or vape 
:: Avoid excessive alcohol 
:: Reduce and manage stress 
:: Get regular physical activity 
:: Get quality sleep 

Oxidative stress also has a direct impact on the skin aging process, causing a loss of collagen and elastin fibers. Oxidative stress accelerates skin aging by damaging cells through the formation of free radicals, which form from UV exposure. What is the result? Wrinkles, skin sagging, dark spots, and obvious texture changes. Oxidative stress also causes reduced barrier function and decreased moisture in the skin. You can fight oxidative stress and accelerated skin aging by eating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, niacinamide, and polyphenols. 

You can also fight premature aging of the skin by getting proper sleep. The lack of quality sleep dehydrates the skin, increases cortisol and other stress hormones, and can cause inflammation, all factors that can weaken the skin layer resulting in premature skin aging.  

Regular physical activity not only enhances circulation throughout the body, transporting more oxygen and nutrients to the skin but also helps to reduce inflammation and support collagen production. All factors to maintain skin firmness and resilience.   

Pay Attention to Skin Changes to Ensure Healthy Aging and Longevity 

So now that you know that skin indicators can alert you to potential health issues, and those health issues can affect your longevity, pay attention to what your skin is telling you. Not all aesthetic changes to your skin’s appearance are part of normal aging. The quicker underlying health issues are treated, the better chance a person has to restore their health and well-being. 

Caring for your skin is a lifelong commitment. It’s important to make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle, routine, and health care regimen to ensure that you age well both on the inside and on the outside. Remember, your skin does more than provide a body cover to protect against infection and regulate body temperature. As the body’s largest organ, it’s responsible for communicating alerts about what’s happening inside your body. Should you see unusual skin changes, be sure to get a medical check-up. Learning to recognize skin indicators could help identify health issues long before they may be diagnosed. 

Your skin impacts your health and longevity. By following the tips outlines here, you can help yourself live a healthier life and enjoy a better complexion.