The Risk Beyond Wrinkles & Sagging: Key Dermatologist-Recommended Points for Aging Care

Have you heard of "skin osteoporosis"? Unlike bone osteoporosis, this is a condition where the skin atrophies and dysfunction occurs. Many may be surprised when they see case photos, but the reality is that skin aging issues such as wrinkles, sagging, and dullness are just a step away from this condition.

This time, we interviewed Dr. Setsuko Tsuda, who is well-versed in "skin osteoporosis." We asked for her insights on the three key aging care measures to take before reaching this stage.

"Skin osteoporosis" is a relatively new condition, a term coined by Saurat and colleagues at the University of Geneva in 2007, inspired by bone osteoporosis[1]. According to Dr. Tsuda, "Even though it's been nearly 20 years since the term was introduced, many dermatologists are still unaware of it."

What exactly is this condition?

"Skin osteoporosis refers to a state where the skin becomes weak and brittle. The epidermis thins and shrinks, looking like crumpled aluminum foil. Inside the skin, fibers like collagen and elastin, which support elasticity, shrink and deteriorate, while substances like hyaluronic acid, which retain moisture, decrease, resulting in loss of skin elasticity.

"This condition is mainly observed on the skin of the hands and legs, but since the basic structure of the skin is the same on the face, hands, and feet, I believe similar symptoms can occur on the face, so I encourage caution.

"Skin osteoporosis not only affects appearance but also impacts skin function. Healthy skin has a natural healing process known as 'wound healing,' which declines as this condition progresses.

"Symptoms range from mild Stage 1 to severe Stage 4, and just seeing a Stage 1 photo is surprising to many. If the condition worsens, blood clots may form under the skin, and in the worst cases, skin grafting may become necessary."

Are there any features that make someone more susceptible to skin osteoporosis?

"The causes of skin osteoporosis include aging, UV damage, and steroids. While steroid treatment may be necessary, long-term use based on self-judgment is dangerous. It is important to engage in proper skincare while young as a measure against aging and UV damage.

"Before skin osteoporosis reaches Stage 1, aging signs like wrinkles, sagging, and dullness start to become noticeable. One of the gateway symptoms is sensitive skin, which might indicate a recent trend of increasing 'skin atrophy.'"

Dr. Tsuda defines skin atrophy as a state where important substances for the skin are lost due to aging or external damage, leading to decreased skin density.

"Skin atrophy with decreased skin density also weakens barrier function. Maintaining skin density and barrier function with appropriate skincare can prevent sensitive skin, aging signs, and skin osteoporosis."

Before developing skin thinning or skin osteoporosis, Dr. Tsuda recommends three types of anti-aging skincare as part of regular skin care.

1. Density Care
"Before developing skin thinning or skin osteoporosis, replenishing moisturizing ingredients is effective. By replenishing substances lost due to aging and environmental factors through skincare, I believe we can support skin density. For density care, I recommend replenishing easily lost hyaluronic acid, ceramide to maintain moisture and support barrier function, and ingredients such as niacinamide, which is related to firmness and elasticity."

2. Repair & Inflammation Care
"To keep the skin in a healthy state, it is necessary to pay attention to repair and inflammation. Inflammation is also a cause of skin aging and cannot be ignored. Measures are needed since inflammation can occur in areas not visible on the skin's surface. As components for maintaining healthy skin, allantoin, licorice root extract, and Roman chamomile flower extract are considered beneficial."

3. Oxidation Care
"In skincare, antioxidant power is also an important point. For ingredients related to antioxidants, firmness, and elasticity, we focus on extracts derived from soybeans containing vitamin C derivatives, isoflavones, anthocyanins, and polyamines."

Dr. Tsuda also warns against overdoing skincare.

"It's important not to strip away too much moisture during cleansing or washing. Though the skin has a restorative power, as you age, recovery becomes more difficult. I don't recommend scrubbing vigorously or washing multiple times.

"Over-moisturizing can also cause the skin to become overly soggy. This can loosen the connections between cells, allowing external irritants to penetrate. It is safer to avoid over-applying lotion or using sheet masks excessively."

This March, the cosmetics brand TSUDA COSMETICS, managed by Dr. Tsuda who focuses on skin osteoporosis and skin thinning, introduced its first lotion, "Repair Serum Lotion." Although TSUDA COSMETICS had not previously offered lotion, it responded to customer requests with dermatological expertise.

"We received requests from customers wanting to enhance their skin hydration. Striving to create a user-friendly lotion type that allows for appropriate aging care, it took 8 years to complete.

"We repeatedly conducted trials for 'Repair Serum Lotion" until we were satisfied. Adjustments were made with a syringe to within 0.01%, and finally, the ideal lotion was completed! Development number No.51 is proof that it was completed after 50 trials."

Dr. Tsuda currently has skin full of luster and elasticity, but was once troubled with sensitive skin.

"Both my daughter and I have sensitive skin, so whether we react to prototypes is one measure of judgment. I became a dermatologist because I wanted to solve my own skin problems and help others with the same issues.

"It's important to steadily continue the three foundational skincare practices mentioned above to maintain healthy skin before reaching the point of skin osteoporosis or thinning. 'Repair Serum Lotion' was developed without compromise, but we offer it at an easy-to-continue price so that many people can enjoy it.

"The results of cosmetics become evident through the appearance of the user. TSUDA COSMETICS will continue to develop products sincerely to ensure that our customers see results on their skin."

Even if you haven't developed skin osteoporosis, many people may show preliminary signs such as skin thinning, sensitivity, wrinkles, sagging, or dullness. Why not start skincare to enhance skin density, taking reference from the three key anti-aging care points of TSUDA COSMETICS?