Both the epidermis and the dermis become thinner. There is loss of collagen, the supporting tissue in the skin, resulting in increased capillary and vessel fragility. The thinner epidermis is less able to retain water and the skin becomes dehydrated. All these changes result in skin becoming wrinkled, another elderly characteristic. Nails tend to become thicker and more difficult to cut.
Hair loss occurs, especially in the male with typical 'male pattern baldness'.
In both sexes axillary and pubic hair is lost but paradoxically hair growth may develop on the lips and chin of females and the ears and nose of males. Loss of teeth increases with age. This is often due to faulty gums, which precipitate bone resorption, rather than erosions. The teeth which are retained tend to become more yellow. Physiological Physiological changes are very significant in the ageing process.