How to Care for Your Skin as You Age

As we grow older, we tend to have more trouble with dry skin. Normal changes occurring in mature skin may include wrinkling from the sun, a decrease in elasticity, irregular pigmentation, age spots or increased roughness. Damage from the sun, lifestyle habits and environmental factors all take their toll. As a result of the aging process, new skin cells form more slowly. This means that the dead cell layer remains on the surface of the skin longer. Read on to learn how to prevent that dry skin.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lukewarm water
• Mild soap
• Moisturizing cream
• Sunscreen
• Healthy diet

1. Protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. As we age, our skin becomes thinner. It takes longer to heal when injured. Over the years, the sun’s ultraviolet rays damage fibers in the skin. Damaged fibers cause the skin to lose elasticity and wrinkle more easily. Staying out of the sun is not a cure; but it will help. Try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Wear protective clothing when you do go out. Don’t forget to apply plenty of sunscreen to any areas of the skin that will be exposed.

2. Eat a healthy diet. It will provide the skin with the nutrition it needs to repair ongoing damage from the sun. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and other foods rich in antioxidants in your diet. They may help to delay the onset of aging. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day, as well.

3. Give up the smoking. Smoking not only presents a serious risk to your overall health, it accelerates aging from the sun. Studies have shown that smoking contributes to premature aging of the skin by causing blood vessels beneath the skin to constrict, reducing blood supply to the skin. Adults older than age 65 who smoke typically show more wrinkling than those who do not.

4. Limit showers or baths to 10 minutes. Showering or bathing in lukewarm rather than hot water with a milder, moisturizing body soap also helps. Apply a moisturizing ointment or cream immediately after showering or bathing helps to lock in moisture and soothe dry skin. Using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially during the winter months can be helpful, too. The combination of the cold air outside and the dry heat indoors leads to drier skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular exercise is important for healthy skin. When you move, you improve blood circulation, the result of which can be seen in the tone and color of your skin.
• Dry skin and itchiness also may be symptoms of diabetes, shingles or kidney disease. If you have concerns, schedule an appointment to see your doctor.