Younger and Healthier Skin for Older Adults

Younger and Healthier Skin for Older Adults

How to Step up Your Skincare Routine

Let’s face it: Our skin changes with age. We all know that over time the skin becomes thinner, loses fat, and no longer looks as plump, vibrant, and smooth as it once did. What’s more, some scratches or bumps can take longer to heal and years of sun tanning can take its toll and lead to wrinkles, dryness, and age spots. Sounds like a downer? Perhaps, but there are so many things you can do to protect your skin and make it feel better, healthier, and even more beautiful.

We hope you will follow the recommendations below and transform your appearance, which may also affect the way you feel about yourself.

Shorten your bath and shower routine

When it comes to maintaining a healthy-looking skin, your bath time routine can make or break a deal. In fact, according to American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), just a few simple changes to your bath time can alleviate dry and itchy skin and prevent it from evolving into a bigger and more serious problem. You may want to wash with a gentle, moisturizing, and fragrance-free soap or body wash. Please keep in mind that there are a few moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and lanolin that can help reduce dryness. Make sure you avoid hot water as it may strip your skin of its natural oils and keep your bath or shower short. In addition, AADA recommends using an ointment instead of a cream after bathing, as ointment does a better job of retaining water in your skin.

Hydration is key

One of the easiest secrets to healthy skin is staying hydrated. Easy enough, isn’t it? As we get older, our skin tends to become drier making moisturizing more crucial than ever before. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Furthermore, according to dermatology specialists, using a high-quality moisturizer can lock in moisture and prevent dryness, leaving your skin feeling supple, reinvigorated, and refreshed.

The sun is NOT your friend

Most people realize that some sun is good for us. That being said, repeated or long-term exposure to the sun’s UV light can be the main cause of premature aging of the skin. Besides, the more sun you get, the greater your chance of developing skin cancers. Basking in the sun for too long may result in drying of the skin, sunburn, premature aging, and actinic keratosis - tiny rough bumps or small scaly patches of skin with a pink, red, yellow, or brownish tint. Make sunscreen a daily essential, even on cloudy days, and incorporate a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30.

Revisit your medicine cabinet

What’s in your medicine cabinet? Believe it or not, some medicines and skin care products can actually increase your skin’s risk of UV damage as suggested by Associated Plastic Surgeons and Med Spa. These medications include certain antibiotics and prescription medicines designed to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, acne, or allergies, among other conditions. Even some non-prescription skin care products containing alpha-hydroxy acids can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage. Just make sure you follow up with your physician and get medical advice on how to optimize your medication regimen for optimal health. 

Eat your way to youthful skin

Remember the old adage “You are what you eat”? Looks like it still holds water and consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants and essential minerals does play a crucial role when it comes to our skin. In other words, it is essential that we include green vegetables, berries, melons, avocados, walnuts, and oily fish in our diet. These foods have a huge impact on our health and the health of our skin and can help maintain skin integrity as we age. Of course, when it comes to dieting, we suggest you consult with an experienced nutritionist to tailor a specific diet plan that nourishes your skin.

Final thoughts

Taking good care of your skin in your golden years is not as difficult as it appears to be. Rest assured that it’s all about incorporating simple habits into your daily life. From staying hydrated and embracing a nutrient-rich diet to maintaining a gentle skincare routine, the tips above can help you achieve better, healthier, and more vibrant skin and celebrate your timeless radiance. After all, age is just a number. With a little care, your skin can improve dramatically and transform the way you feel about yourself.