Senior skin care involves a greater degree of health care than may have been necessary in the younger years. As elderly skin tissue thins and becomes more sensitive, it is common to experience frequent dry skin conditions. These can be made worse by harsh soaps or deodorants, so it is recommended to purchase skin care products made with less perfume and more moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin or lanolin. Use these dermatologist-tested tips for avoiding skin problems and maintaining optimum health.
Cleanse Less Frequently
Washing removes oil from the skin surface, so the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends bathing less often if you have dry skin. Wash the face and body with warm water. To avoid abrasion, cleanse gently and don't scrub. Pat dry with a towel and use a moisturizing lotion or cream directly afterward.
Moisturize More Often
The AAD reports that moisturizing creams, lotions, ointments and oils are proven to make skin smoother and softer, erasing the look of tiny lines and deeper wrinkles. Moisturizer also soothes elderly skin that is rough, dry or sunburnt. You can use it often, throughout the day.
Use a Humidifier
Dry air sucks the moisture from your outer layer of skin. If skin is already dry, especially in winter, the Mayo Clinic suggests using a room humidifier to keep dry skin from becoming red, chapped and cracked.
Stop Smoking Cigarettes
The Skin Sciences Institute cites cigarette smoking as a contributor to dry skin with a leathery texture and deep wrinkles. Many other dermatologists agree that quitting smoking is a good move for skin care and overall health.
Keep Nails Trimmed
Cuts and bruises appear more frequently in elderly skin and tend to heal more slowly, instruct dermatologists at the AAD. Keep your nails clipped or filed smoothly to avoid inadvertent cuts that can lead to skin infections.
Wear Protective Clothing
Reducing the amount of your exposed skin is another protective skin care measure to ward off scrapes. It also prevents sun damage, which deepens wrinkles and causes age spots. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) reminds you to limit exposure to ultraviolet radiation by wearing a hat, long sleeves, long skirts and/or UV-blocking sunglasses when outdoors.
Apply Sunscreen Daily
Some UV rays can reach the skin through clouds and glass. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing a sunscreen made to block UVA and UVB rays every day. Strength should be sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and you should apply more if you rub or wash the product off during the day.
Recognize Skin Cancer
A lifetime of sun exposure makes skin cancer more likely in elderly skin than in younger skin. The NIA suggests checking once a month or so for moles or marks on the skin that: are asymmetrical; have irregular borders; change color; have a wide diameter; are evolving and changing. A dermatologist can test questionable skin for cancer.
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