That’s something I wasn’t aware of.

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses some of its protective fatty layer. This makes blood vessels more vulnerable to injury. Additionally, the production of collagen, which helps maintain skin and vessel integrity, decreases with age, contributing to easier bruising.

Certain medications can increase the likelihood of bruising. Blood thinners, such as aspirin and anticoagulants, reduce the blood’s ability to clot, leading to more frequent bruising. Corticosteroids can also weaken blood vessels over time, making bruising more common.

A lack of essential nutrients can affect the body’s ability to repair and maintain blood vessels. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production, while vitamin K is necessary for proper blood clotting. Deficiencies in these or other nutrients like vitamin B12 and folic acid can lead to increased bruising.

Several medical conditions can make you more prone to bruising. Blood disorders such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease affect clotting ability. Liver disease can also impact clotting factors, and conditions like leukemia can affect blood cell production, leading to more bruising.

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can affect skin and blood vessel health. For example, the use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can sometimes lead to increased bruising due to changes in blood vessel strength and skin thickness.