What Happens to Your Skin as You Age: The Good, Bad and the Surprising

Your skin starts telling the story of aging earlier than you think. We sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dan Butler to break down what’s happening beneath the surface, from intrinsic aging (your genetic timeline) to extrinsic aging (sun exposure, pollution, and daily wear). This framework explains why collagen and elastin weaken over time, how the skin barrier changes, and why aging skin is both a medical and emotional experience.We also get practical, covering common concerns like chronic itch and easy bruising, why they happen, and what actually helps. We wrap with a simple, realistic routine: wear a sunscreen you love, consider a retinoid or gentle alternative, add an antioxidant like vitamin C, and build a routine you’ll stick with.