Taking care of your skin is a life-long activity that differs a great deal depending on what kind of skin you are born with: oily, dry, normal or some combination of these types of skin. As you get older, skin has a tendency to become dry and need more moisturizing. Skin also tends to become thinner and no longer look as smooth as it used to. Cuts, scratches and bumps can require more healing time as well.
Effects of Aging on Skin
Your skin undergoes harmless changes when you age, including getting age spots and skin tags. Age spots are larger than freckles, brown and usually start to appear on your arms, hands, face, feet and back. Skin tags are small skin growths that have raised surfaces and are the same color as your skin. Skin tags often occur on your neck, eyelids, chest, groin and armpits.
Identification
Moisturizing is essential for skin care as you get older. The decreased elasticity of your skin can thin its texture and cause you to become more vulnerable to getting bruises. Take fewer showers and baths when you age as these tend to dry your skin out. After you bathe, lather you skin with a rich moisturizing lotion. You can also use a spray bottle that contains baby oil to moisturize your skin. Steer clear of alcohol-based lotions, as these take moisture out of your skin. Use cosmetics that are oil-based and intended for aging skin.
Features
A very important (and often overlooked) aspect of the human body is your feet. As you get older, it is more common to develop fungal infections, corns, calluses, dry skin, warts, blisters and ingrown toenails on your feet. Getting good pedicures regularly from a salon can help decrease blisters, dryness and calluses on your skin by moisturizing your feet. Another simple remedy for cracked and dry heels in particular is to apply petroleum jelly on your feet before going to sleep and wearing socks when you are in bed.
Warning
According to MedicineNet.com, skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in America. Because of your skin's vulnerability to damaged skin when in old age, it is important for elders in particular to get your skin checked out regularly by a dermatologist for skin cancers, as they are not dangerous if removed immediately. Things you should be extra aware of include the presence of flat, single or slightly indented, hard lesions, moles that start to bleed or develop a red, scaly area and changes in the size, shape or color of a mole.
Considerations
To reduce your likelihood of developing skin cancer during old age, decrease the amount of direct exposure you have to the sun during the sun and to cold wind and air during the winter. Cover your arms and legs and wear gloves or a hat to protect yourself. Drink liquids to keep your skin hydrated.
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