Psychosocial aspects of aging skin.
Many older individuals use products and procedures to conceal or delay the signs of aging. For most, this provides a helpful ego boost, but some suffer from pathologies such as eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder. The impact of aging skin may include social anxiety and social isolation. Poor self-image is associated with chronic illness and fewer preventive health behaviors, such as exercise. Aged appearance, especially in women, is also associated with workplace discrimination. Patients should therefore be offered treatments for aging skin, ensured that society's negative views not be unnecessarily reinforced, and maintain a realistic treatment expectations.
Gupta
Madhulika A
MA
Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. magupta@uwo.ca
Gilchrest
Barbara A
BA
D006801:Humans; D011584:Psychology; D015595:Skin Aging; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000523:psychology*