As you age, your face requires different treatment than it did when you were younger. In your 70s, the visible signs of aging — wrinkles, fine lines and age spots — as well as the the underlying effects -- loss of bone, muscle, collagen and connective tissue -- need special attention to keep your face looking and feeling healthy and vibrant.
Caring for Your Skin
Protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the sun is the first rule of good skin care, especially later in life. While most of your skin's damage occurred in the first 40 years of life, protecting your skin in your 70s and beyond is especially important since mature skin heals more slowly than younger skin. Using a moisturizer with a sun protection factor of at least 15 helps prevent further sun damage and may minimize your risk of skin cancer, a potentially disfiguring disease that often occurs on areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as your ears, nose and lips.
As you age, your skin loses the ability to moisturize itself and elasticity decreases, increasing your risk of injury. An emollient-rich moisturizer applied daily can help restore plumpness and elasticity to dry, mature skin.
Caring for Your Eyes
Since vision provides so much enjoyment throughout life, taking care of your eyes by getting regular checkups with an eye doctor can help prevent age-related conditions, such as cataracts and glaucoma, that can occur in your 70s. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as orange vegetables and berries can provide essential nutrients that keep your eyes healthy.
Caring for Your Bones
Your facial bones support the muscles and skin of your face. After about age 50, your bones begin to lose mass. Declining mass in your facial bones, including your eye sockets, brow and jawbone, can make you look older. Osteoporosis can accelerate the decline. Daily calcium supplements and weight-bearing exercise can reduce bone loss and help support a healthy skeletal system. If you suffer from osteoporosis, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or stop further bone loss.
Caring for Your Teeth
A healthy smile can boost your self-esteem and contribute to better overall health. Because digestion slows in your later years, the ability to chew thoroughly helps your body gain the maximum nutrition from food. Caring for your natural teeth in your 70s may require more frequent dental checkups and prompt repair of damaged teeth. If you have dentures, proper fit can help support your facial structure.
Caring for Your Muscles
Unless you continually exercise, you lose muscle mass as you age. In your 70s, facial exercises can help keep your facial muscles toned. Toned muscles around your eyes, mouth and jawline help support sagging, slack skin. Ask your doctor or dermatologist for facial exercises that can improve your facial tone.
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