Darker patches of skin ("age spots") caused by many years of exposure to the sun deign to appear by the age of 60 (Landau, 2007). Age spots are considered harmless, but they can be unattractive and give skin an older appearance. There are now therapies to remove age spots, such as laser surgery, cryosurgery (freezing), and chemical peels. Smokers have more wrinkles than nonsmokers. The facial appearance of aging men and women in American society is part of the so-called double standard of aging. As men age they are often considered "mature" or "sophisticated" or more attractive than when they were younger. However, there are very few kind expressions for the way many older women look. American men and women spend billions of dollars each year on "wrinkle creams," bleaching products, skin lotions, facials, and electrolysis for unwanted hair removal and other dermatology and plastic surgery procedures.
Hair color changes to gray or white and is usually the most obvious physical change that marks chronological aging. During midlife or sooner, the color, thickness, and texture of hair undergo changes, such as graying, thinning, and balding. Hair coloring and hair restoration techniques can help maintain a more youthful appearance. Thinning hair is often associated with aging males, many of whom develop hair loss and balding. Women are also likely to find their hair thinning as they experience premenopausal symptoms and hormonal changes. For those concerned with hair loss, consultation with a dermatologist is recommended (American Academy of Dermatology, 2010).
As one ages, the skin loses collagen, fat, and oil glands; it also becomes dryer, thinner, and less elastic after years of exposure to ultraviolet rays. Skin cells grow more slowly with age, and the outer layer of skin is not shed and replaced at the same rate as in younger years. White aging, cells lose some of their ability to retain water, causing dryness.