No matter how well you pamper your skin over the years, your skin will age. The blush of youth fades after years of pimples. Your skin may appear smooth, tight, glowing, and radiant one day, but the next you might notice signs of aging such as brown spots, lines, and increased bruising. As we age, our skin changes can affect both men and women.
Skincare for seniors is more than just how it looks. It’s all about skin health. Your skin can reflect your mood and show you how healthy you are. As you age, there are good reasons to take care of your skin. Here are some tips for senior skin care.
How to Care for Your Skin
Your skin is your outer protective layer. It alerts you to hot, cold, pleasure pressure, and injury. It helps in:
- Fluid balance and electrolyte regulation
- Temperature control
- Protecting you from the environmental hazards
These are the three main layers of skin:
- Epidermis – The outer layer is made up of cells, pigments, and proteins.
- Dermis – Nerves, oil glands, and hair follicles make up the inner layer.
- Subcutaneous – This is the underlayer and includes sweat glands, hair follicles, fat, and blood vessels.
How skin changes with age
Skin changes are normal with aging skin. They can be caused by a combination of:
- Allergies
- Environment conditions
- Genetics
- Nutrition
- Sun exposure
- Other factors include smoking
Sun exposure is the most damaging to the skin.
Here are 4 skin issues you should be aware of
Many skin conditions are associated with aging. These are some of the most common skin conditions that can be associated with aging. Here’s what you can do.
Sun Damage
Your skin that has been exposed to more sunlight has likely developed a more even tone and is more flexible than skin that has seen more sun. Your skin will become thinner as you age but can become thicker if it is exposed to the sun.
The skin pigments that give skin color decline with age and the ones that remain increase in size. Age spots and other problems are more likely to develop in areas of pigmented skin that have been exposed.
Skin is resilient and flexible thanks to collagen and elastin fibers. As we age, our bodies lose the production of these fibers. Sun exposure can increase skin’s loss of elasticity, resulting in a sun-damaged appearance.
While you cannot reverse the damage caused by sun exposure it is possible to take steps to reduce future sunburns. Although some sun exposure is healthy, it’s best to avoid too much. Here are some helpful practices.
- Avoid sunbathing and using sunlamps or tanning beds.
- Avoid sun exposure at peak sunny times (usually 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.).
- Even in cloudy weather, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen
You should check your skin every month to see if there are any unusual changes. These could include new growths or bleeding moles, as well as slow-healing sores. These could be signs of skin cancer. The main cause is the sun. If you are concerned, consult a dermatologist.
Slower Wound Healing and More Bruising
Older adults can sustain more skin injuries due to thinner, more fragile skin, fewer blood vessels, and a decrease in skin fat.
Your skin isn’t as able to heal as well as it was in your youth. Wounds may heal up to four times slower than they did in the past. Bruising may also be more prominent and can occur in large areas.
Studies show that covering your extremities with clothing can prevent sunburns that can lead to skin irritations.
Avoiding sharp-edged furniture can help prevent skin injuries and bruises. Gentle cleaning products and emollient lotions can be used daily to protect delicate skin from damage.
Dry and itchy skin
Itchy, rough, or scaly skin can be caused by:
- Dry air
- Aging is associated with less sweat and oil glands
- Regular or hot baths or showers
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Some soaps and perfumes can trigger sensitivity
- Smoking
- There are a few health issues, such as diabetes and kidney disease.
- Stress
- Sun exposure
These are some tips from the NIA to prevent dry skin.
- Use moisturizing products for your skin daily, or as often as you need.
- Reduce the number of full baths and take fewer showers.
- Use warm water, but not hot.
- In dry climates and dry seasons, use a humidifier.
Problems with bathing
Perhaps you haven’t thought of the amazing washability that your skin has experienced over the years.
Consider all the permanent inks, glues that are strong, dyes, and paints your skin has been exposed to over the years. Most likely, you won’t find any trace of any of those substances. It could be one of the most easily washable substances on Earth.
As we age, our sweat and oil glands decrease. You can keep your skin clean by only bathing fully two or three times per week. Use sponge baths between.
You may not need harsh deodorant soaps as often as you get older. These are some other options:
- Choose milder soaps, cleansers and cleaners
- Avoid oils in bathing products as they can increase the risk of slips and falls
- Remember that hot water can be more drying than cool water.
Grande Cypress provides tranquil living at its best. Located on beautiful Jewel Lake, this gorgeous 35 bed Circle of Life Community features three sizes of private or semi-private suites. Eight rooms come furnished with kitchenettes and all rooms furnished with a mini-refrigerator/microwave combo. Come say hello to home. Call for more information or to schedule a tour.
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