How to Thicken Skin

Co-authored by Adebola Dele-Michael, MD, FAAD

Last Updated: July 17, 2022 References Approved

Your skin tends to become thinner as you age. Therefore, it is important to take care of your skin in order to keep it supple and thickened. Thinning of the skin may occur when the level of collagen in the skin decreases and skin elasticity is lost. Collagen is a protein found in the skin which helps to nourish the skin and make it healthy. Thin skin may also be caused by the long-term use of steroid ointments that cause the skin to bruise easily and become fragile and transparent. Luckily, there are a number of things you can try to make your skin thicker, stronger and firmer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Skincare Products

1
Apply moisturizer daily. For best results, use a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as vitamins C, A, E and beta-carotene. Moisturizers that contain retin-A (an acidic form of vitamin A) can be used on the skin to encourage the multiplication of cells.^{[1]
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Research source} Retin-A products are available in the form of serums, ointments and creams.
2
Use vitamin E oil topically. Prick a capsule containing vitamin E and squeeze its contents into your hands, before applying to the skin. ^{[2]
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Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute
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3
Always wear sunscreen outdoors.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} Wear sunscreen daily, especially in areas that are very hot during the summer. Try to wear an SPF of at least 15 (or higher if you have particularly pale or sensitive skin), even if it's a cloudy day, as UV rays from the sun can penetrate the clouds.
4
Avoid using steroid creams on the skin. If possible, avoid using steroid creams on the skin, as these can have a thinning effect.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} Talk to your doctor if you have been prescribed a steroid cream to treat an underlying skin condition like eczema. A dermatologist can usually prescribe alternative topical treatments that do not contain steroids.
5
Apply products that contain vitamin C. Apply serums, creams and lotions that contain vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to plump the skin and encourage the production of collagen. This helps the skin to thicken when used regularly.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute
Research center dedicated to promoting optimal health through cutting-edge nutrition research and public outreach
Go to source}
6
Use camellia oil salve on the skin. The seeds of camellia flowers can be pressed to get camellia seed oil. This oil can be used to thicken the skin.
- To make the salve, mix a few drops of the camellia seed oil with 1/4 teaspoon of vitamin E oil, 3 drops of lavender oil and one teaspoon of primrose oil. This mixture should be shaken before use. Massage a few drops of the salve onto the skin daily to help thicken it.
- The salve should be kept refrigerated between uses.
7
Try using topical antioxidants to prevent skin damage. Topical antioxidants can be used to prevent skin damage and repair damaged skin. Look for topical products that contain any of the following ingredients:^{[6]
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- Green tea extract, vitamin A, vitamin E, tocotrienols, alpha lipoic acid, and pentapeptides.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Modifying Your Diet

1
Eat foods that are rich in vitamins C and E. These vitamins repair worn out tissues in the body and therefore slow down the aging process. Foods rich in vitamin C help to increase collagen production, which helps to thicken the skin over time.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
- Foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, oranges, kiwi fruit, broccoli, tomatoes and cauliflower. The daily requirement of vitamin C is 75-90 mg.^{[8]
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  Trustworthy Source
  MedlinePlus
  Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
  Go to source}
- Foods that are rich in vitamin E are olive oil, avocados, broccoli, pumpkin, papayas, mangoes and tomatoes. The daily requirement is 15 mg.^{[9]
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  Research source}
- Foods rich in vitamin A include oranges, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots. The daily requirement for vitamin A is 700-900 mg.^{[10]
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  Research source}
2
Stay hydrated. Water helps to remove waste products and toxins from the body, therefore revitalizing the skin. It also helps to improve skin elasticity and allows it to heal naturally.^{[11]
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- Aside from drinking water, you can also improve your hydration levels by drinking herbal teas and eating fruit and veg with a high water content, such as watermelon, tomato, beets and celery.
- How much it benefits your skin to drink water is debatable, mainly because the water will reach your other organs before reaching your skin. However, while not everyone agrees that drinking more water will improve skin, others insist that it does, and it won't hurt.
3
Take borage seed oil or fish oil supplements. Supplement your diet with borage seed oil and fish oil.^{[12]
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Research source} These help in strengthening collagen beneath the skin and in keeping the skin hydrated.
- These oils are also rich in vitamin B3, which is important for healthy skin.^{[13]
  X
  Research source} One form of vitamin B3 (known as niacinamide) may possibly help reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
- The recommended dosage of fish oil is around 1,000 mg,^{[14]
  X
  Research source} while the standard dosage of borage oil varies between 230 and 720 mg depending on age, sex, and manufacturer.^{[15]
  X
  Research source} Always check the manufacturer's instructions on any supplement you purchase since dosages may vary.
4
Consume bone broth. Bone broth is a traditional food which is known to boost the immune system. It is an excellent source of minerals and gelatin. Bone broth also supports the joints, hair and skin due to its high collagen content.
- To make bone broth, look for high quality bones from grass fed cattle, bison, pastured poultry or wild caught fish. Add 2 pounds of bones to one gallon of water and bring to boil. Lower heat and continue boiling for 24 hours for meat bones or 8 hours for fish bones.
- The purpose of boiling for a long time is to really soften the bones so you are able to extract a gelatin-like liquid using a sieve. Drink the broth or mix with other dishes.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Lifestyle Changes

1
Try to exercise every day. Take a 40-minute walk daily or jog for half an hour. This helps to improve circulation, which allows for the distribution of nutrients in the body. This ensures that the skin gets the nutrients it needs to rejuvenate itself and stay healthy.^{[16]
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2
Quit smoking. Smoking increases the level of nicotine in the body and decreases the circulation of the blood. This results in less nutrients being absorbed by the skin and less toxins being released from the skin, causing reduced rejuvenation and growth of the skin.^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
Go to source}
- Smoking also dehydrates the skin and depletes it of essential vitamins. This includes vitamins A, B complex, C and E, and minerals like potassium, calcium and zinc.
3
Reduce your alcohol intake. Try to reduce your alcohol intake, or cut it out completely, if possible. Alcohol increases the level of toxins in the body, which has a negative effect on the skin and contributes to aging and thinning.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
Go to source}
4
Massage the skin to improve circulation.^{[19]
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Research source} Massage helps to improve the circulation of blood, allowing important nutrients to circulate throughout the body, nourishing and thickening the skin.
- Apply a massage oil to the skin and massage the area for at least 90 seconds. This should be done twice daily for best results.
5
Wear long-sleeved clothes that protect your skin. Exposing your skin to sunlight can cause it to become thinner. Therefore you should wear long pants, long sleeved shirts and hats that have a broad rim in order to protect your skin from UV rays.^{[20]
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Trustworthy Source
American Cancer Society
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- The ultraviolet rays of the sun break the collagen in the skin, causing it to lose its elasticity. This makes the skin thinner and causes it to bruise more easily.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I stop my skin from thinning?

Adebola Dele-Michael, MD, FAAD
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Adebola Dele-Michael is a Board Certified Dermatologist and the Owner of Radiant Skin Dermatology and Laser, PLLC in Manhattan, New York. With over 12 years of experience, she specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology, specifically, using lasers and energy devices in treating skin of color.She is an assistant professor of Dermatology at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Manhattan, NYC. Dr. Dele-Michael holds a BS in Biochemistry from Stony Brook University and an MD from The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She completed her Dermatology Residency at Wayne State University School of Medicine, where she was also chief resident.

Adebola Dele-Michael, MD, FAAD

Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Stop overusing skin-thinning products like topical steroids, exfoliants, and chemical peels. If your dermatologist or doctor does prescribe you a topical steroid, make sure you use it for the recommended time period rather than using it indefinitely. You can also talk to a dermatologist about trying collagen-boosting treatments to help thicken up your skin.