Vascular responsiveness is also compromised. The striking involution of dermal vascular beds, which are the vertical capillary loops that occupy the dermal papillae, is thought to account for the pallor, decreased temperature, and impaired thermoregulation found in elderly skin. The decline in vascular supply to the hair bulbs and to the eccrine, apocrine, and sebaceous glands may contribute to their senescence. Changes in connective tissue stroma are important in dermal structural and functional changes. Dysregulation of collagen synthesis and collagen degradation in the elderly probably contribute to impaired wound healing.
Elastic fibers decrease in number and diameter with age.
Fragmentation, progressive cross-linkage, and calcification also occur. Alterations of mucopolysaccharides may affect skin turgor. Progressive loss of elastic recovery in elderly skin is probably due to these changes. Subcutaneous Fat Subcutaneous fat serves two major purposes. First, it acts as a shock absorber, protecting the body from trauma.