Plenty of our body parts are changing as we age, this includes our overall health and our appearance. Sadly, the youthfulness of our skin gradually declines as the years go by. Wrinkles, thin, and saggy skin are starting to emerge, something that we cannot control. Seeking youthful skin will not be easy as it will include expensive elderly skincare products along with preventative care.
The Secret Behind Skin Aging
Our skin ages because of natural reasons and constant exposure to sunlight. Don’t get it wrong, sunlight is essential to boost Vitamins D in our body, however, too much exposure might cause harm to our skin.
Sun exposure plus skin aging, wrinkles, discoloration, thinning, and sagging skin all contributes to the elderly skin appearance that we all know.
Our skin is made of 2 layers for protection, the epidermis, and the dermis. The outer layer is the epidermis which shields our skin from bacteria and ultraviolet radiation. The layer underneath is called the dermis, which is rich in collagens and proteins, the nutrients that are needed for skin’s elasticity and strength.
Over time, these two layers get irreversible damages causing the skin’s appearance to slowly age with time.
Signs of Skin Aging
Apart from the obvious symptoms, you might also notice the following changes in your skin:
- Skin feels thinner than usual and is starting to look paper-like
- Itchy sensation in different parts
- Occurring dark spots, wrinkles, and creases
- Blotchy appearance
- Gets easily irritated
- You are more vulnerable to skin infections
- Bruises are more visible compared to when you were younger
- You sweat lesser and lesser as time goes by
- Wounds are healing slowly than before
Skin Care Tips For Elderly
Seniors need to take care of their skin more because their skin is now more damaged than ever. Skin doctors recommend several lifestyle changes for older adults above 60 years old. Here are some tips to follow to care for elderly skin:
Soothe dry skin with a bath
The best way to relieve itchy and dry skin is by knowing the right products to use in bathing. You may opt to make some changes in your bath routine by considering the tips below:
Replace your bar soap with a mild, creamy, and non-fragrant body wash to ease dry skin.
Avoid using hot or cold water, use warm water instead to maintain your skin’s natural oil.
Use a soft cloth to clean your skin. Do not use harsh skin brushes.
Don’t bathe for too long. If possible, bath for 10 minutes a day only.
Prevent drying your skin thoroughly after wash, the remaining moist in your skin will help in keeping your skin hydrated.
Humidify your room
Cold and hot air tends to clear out the humidity in the air. Older adults are advised to use a humidifier for dry air. This reduces the chances of having itchy and dry skin.
Protect your hands
The skin in our hands seems to age faster than other parts of our skin. Make sure to wear gloves whenever you do outdoor and indoor house chores. This will protect you from sunlight and the effects of harmful chemicals.
Shield yourself from the sun
It’s impossible for you to completely avoid the sun as you may need to go out from time to time. But be sure to wear sun protection if you think that you will be out under the heat for a long period of time. Aside from preventing further damage to your aging skin, wearing sunblocks will also protect you from the risk of skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend wearing sunblock with SPF 30 or higher if you go out every day. But don’t rely on sunblock entirely, its ability to protect your skin is limited so be sure to seek shade outdoors as well. Lastly, be sure to wear clothes that can protect you from the harmful rays of the sun.
If possible, stay away from fragrant products such as perfumes, skincare products, and soap. Studies show that products with fragrance can increase the probability of dry skin for older adults.
Avoid unhealthy habits
Smoking can put your skin at risk of skin cancer, it also causes dry skin and irritation.
Keep yourself hydrated
You will get plenty of benefits by just drinking water all the time. Water keeps our body hydrated which is essential in preventing dry skin.
Visit your dermatologist
Whenever you feel like your skin is starting to feel different than usual, consult your dentist for safe solutions.
Overall, avoid using products with harsh chemicals on your skin to prevent it from aging rapidly. Always consult your doctor if skin rashes and infections are starting to emerge.