Hypodermis, also known as the superficial fascia, attaches the dermis to the underlaying structures. Its function is to promote an ongoing blood supply to the dermis for regeneration. The evolutionary process of aging has the potential to alter the immune, cardiovascular, respiration, and integumentary systems. Therefore, it is logical that as people age, the skin ages too. Aging causes the dermis to decrease in thickness and stiffen due to the cross-linking of collagen.
Epidemermal regeneration increases with age, leaving the skin at great risk for irritation.
Sensation and metabolism decrease during aging, as do subcutaneous tissue, sweat glands, and vascularity, which cumulatively affect the thermoregulatory system. The junction between the epidermis and dermis also changes in the aging process, affecting skin integrity. This weaker link leaves the skin more vulnerable to mechanical trauma. Additionally, the hypodermis thins, leaving skin vulnerable to mechanical trauma. Lastly, the visible wrinkling of the skin occurs as a result of the loss, thinning, and cross-linking of underlaying tissues.