[ELI5] Why do our fingers lose their “tack” as we get older?

Question

I used to be able to open produce bags with ease and now I can’t get them open unless moisture is applied. Why is this?

In: Biology

Answer 1

As we age, our skin loses the ability to retain as much moisture as it could when we were younger. This is partly from sun exposure but also just ordinary aging. The moisture is necessary to get that tackiness.

Regular use of hand lotion can help.