The Skinny on Skin Care Tips for Seniors

You may have noticed that as you age, your skin has become drier and thinner, with more wrinkles, age spots and creases developing. This is all part of the aging process, but there are some things you can do to protect your skin from further damage. Here are some simple things you can incorporate into your daily routine:

  • Wear gloves to protect your hands while working around the house or in the garden. You want to mitigate the amount of irritating agents such as harsh cleaning chemicals and sun that damage sensitive skin.
  • If you do need to be outdoors, wear protective clothing. This includes a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt and pants, and a pair of sunglasses. Do not venture outside without first applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure to apply it on the areas that are not covered by your clothing. Look for sunscreens that are fragrance-free, as fragrances can irritate the skin.
  • To soothe your dry skin, bathe or shower with a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing bar soap, cleanser or body wash. Never bathe in hot water. Rather, use warm water that will not dry out your skin. When you do bathe or shower, keep the time to a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes.
  • After you come out of the bath or shower, dry your skin gently by patting yourself with a towel. Keep a little water on your skin to help hydrate it when you apply lotion.
  • Apply a fragrance-free lotion made specifically for dry skin within three minutes of coming out of the water. The lotion helps to relieve dryness and to restore a protective barrier to your skin. It is best to avoid bath oils, which increase the likelihood that you will slip leaving the bath or shower.
  • After the age of 50, the risk of developing skin cancer and precancerous growths increases. Unfortunately, the risk increases with each passing year. In between annual visits to your dermatologist, it is important for you to examine your skin by yourself to detect any unusual signs on your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology has a video to help you through the process of self-examination. Click on this link to watch the video: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/check-skin.
  • Once you are familiar with the landscape of your skin, you will be more aware of any changes. If you notice a spot that has become itchier or has changed in color or size, you may want to make an appointment to be seen by your dermatologist. The sooner any suspicious spots are identified, the quicker they can be treated. When skin cancer is found early and removed, that may be the only treatment that is needed.

To keep your skin healthy, know your skin and get into a consistent daily skin care routine. Follow up by working with medical professionals. You want to have skin that glows for many years to come.

Reach out to Roz Carothers and her team at Triplett & Carothers to learn more.

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