Each stage of life has different skin care needs. While babies have new, healthy skin, they're prone to the effects of hormones from the womb. Children who play in the sun all day need protection from ultraviolet light. Teens will begin seeing changes in their bodies that will affect the appearance of skin, and adults start noticing the first wrinkles of time. Elders' concerns are the skin's inability to stay moisturized.
Babies
Babies are prone to a variety of skin problems. Newborns get neonatal acne when exposed to hormones in their mother's womb. Late-term babies can have peeling skin. Older babies can get blocked oil glands, and rashes on an infant's bottom are a risk until he's toilet trained. Keeping a baby's clothing loose and her skin thoroughly dry will prevent heat rash, the small pink pimples that can form if she's too warm or overdressed. Baby oil can reduce patchy, dry skin. For infants whose skin chafes, such as when thighs rub together, apply baby powder or cornstarch to absorb sweat and moisture.
Young Children
During childhood, skin is the most durable. It's not yet prone to hormone-inducing acne, and it has survived the rash-prone baby years. But one risk is ever-present: skin cancer. Children should wear a sunscreen every day with an SPF of at least 15. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Up to 90 percent of melanomas are caused by ultraviolet light. Because sun block can wear off, it should be reapplied at least two or three times a day--more if the child plays outdoors. Even though the sun can't be seen on cloudy days, ultraviolet rays are still present in the atmosphere.
Teens
The teen years are when skin begins showing signs of aging. Hormones flooding the body's system trigger sebaceous glands for the first time, which is the primary cause of acne. A daily skin care regimen, starting with a shower each day, will reduce sebum production and help control breakouts. Hormones also control dry and oily skin. Using a water-based sunscreen will protect skin from UV rays while not exacerbating an oily complexion. An oil-based sunscreen will protect against the sun while locking in hydration for dry skin.
Adults
More prominent signs of aging, including wrinkles, sagging skin and sun spots can begin appearing as early as a person's late 20s, depending on factors such as genetics, health, diet and time spent in the sun. Smoking cigarettes, according to the Mayo Clinic, can contribute to wrinkles by narrowing blood vessels in the top layers of skin and decreasing blood flow. Using moisturizer daily will help skin maintain elasticity and minimize wrinkling. Lotion with added collagen can stimulate skin cells and improve the appearance of aging. Wearing sunscreen will help prevent sunspots (permanent brown patches) from appearing.
Seniors
Valarie D'Acquisto, a retired geriatric nurse who authors a website about caring for the elderly, reports that dry, itchy skin and rashes are a big concern for seniors. If not cared for correctly, an innocent skin condition can turn into an infection. Because their skin produces much less lubrication, elderly people do not need more than two baths a week. Showering is better for a senior's skin because the more he sits in water the more oils are stripped from his skin. Extra moisturizing lotion will help lock hydration into dry skin. For those with problem skin, petroleum jelly will keep moisture from escaping.
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