Aging is inevitable, and you can’t turn back the hands of time. But you may be able to slow down the process by caring for your skin and overall health. Taking good care of yourself makes a huge difference in how you look and feel.
As we age, many factors contribute to aging skin, including diet, heredity, and sleep habits. By the time you’re in your senior years, your skin needs a little extra TLC. Anti-aging skin care products and good skincare habits can help your skin look brighter and healthier.
Here are some senior skin treatment tips to keep you looking and feeling your best.
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Aging skin can be dry due to a natural decline in oil production. To avoid drying out your skin even more, use a mild moisturizing cleanser once a day. Wash your face gently with only a small amount of cleanser.
Avoid harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleansers. If you need to remove makeup, consider using an oil-based cleanser. Use warm water to rinse your face, and pat dry your skin.
If you like to relax in a warm bath, avoid baby or bath oils. They can leave the tub slippery and increase your risk of falling.
Moisturize Your Skin
The best skin rejuvenation products for seniors are those that add moisture back to the skin’s surface. Using a moisturizer for your face and body can help protect the skin’s barrier and keep your skin soft and supple.
The best moisturizer for dry, aging skin is one with a blend of fatty acids and emollients. A rich moisturizer plumps and hydrates your skin.
There are a variety of anti-wrinkle products for seniors containing retinol or hyaluronic acid on the market. If your skin is thin or fragile, avoid these products and stick with a quality moisturizing cream instead.
Apply moisturizer to your face in an upward motion. Moisturize your face and body immediately after your bath or shower to lock in hydration.
Apply Sunscreen
One of the top anti-aging tips for the elderly is to use sunscreen every day. It’s the best thing you can do to protect your skin and prevent premature lines and wrinkles.
To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen to your face and any exposed areas of skin. When you’re outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible. Keep in mind that the sun’s strongest rays are between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
When outdoors, wear protective clothing and sunglasses that block 100% UV rays. Wearing sunglasses keeps you from squinting, which can lead to lines around the eyes.
Always use sunscreen under your makeup, including makeup that contains sunscreen. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen for adequate skin protection. Layering your sunscreen is ideal for the best coverage.
At around age 50, the risk of skin cancer increases. This risk increases even more as the years go by. Be sure to examine your skin for signs of skin cancer and see a dermatologist regularly.
Some signs of skin cancer include:
- A spot that looks different from others
- A spot that changes over time
- A spot that itches or bleeds
If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.
Eat Healthy
The best skin care for seniors begins with healthy eating. The old saying “you are what you eat” is absolutely true. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients plays a vital role in the health of your skin.
Some foods that are great for senior skin include:
- Green vegetables
- Avocados
- Melons
- Berries
- Walnuts
- Salmon
- Oily fish
- Dairy products
- Lean meats
These foods are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that seniors need to thrive. A nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle habits are key in helping you maintain skin integrity as you age.
Stay Hydrated
A critical senior skin treatment tip is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Hydrating your body properly helps you achieve glowing, clear skin. Staying hydrated is essential to every bodily function and can help prevent fatigue and dehydration.
Increasing your daily H2O intake can have a positive effect on your skin. Hydrated skin is plumper, smoother, and healthier-looking. Seniors should put a special emphasis on drinking enough water to avoid dehydration and maintain healthy skin.
Wear Gloves When Doing Household Chores
As you age, the skin on your hands becomes thinner. Working in your home or outside in your garden can expose your hands to harsh chemicals. These chemicals and the sun’s harsh rays can irritate or burn your skin.
Wearing gloves can reduce the risk of damaging your hands. Gloves can protect your hands from chemicals, UV rays, and the nicks and bumps that come with household chores.
Some seniors have thin skin on their hands with a tendency to bruise or even bleed. Gloves can reduce the risk of injuring fragile skin.
Buy Fragrance-Free Anti-Aging Skin Care Products
Many beauty products on the market contain fragrances that can irritate senior skin. To help heal dry or irritated skin, avoid perfumes or skincare products that include fragrance.
Opt for shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, sunscreen, and moisturizers labeled “fragrance-free” on the packaging. “Unscented” and “fragrance-free” have different meanings. Unscented skincare products typically contain chemicals that cover up fragrances. Fragrance-free products are made without fragrance additives and are a better choice for many seniors.
Tips for Healthy Senior Skin
The greatest anti-aging skin care products are the ones that protect and nourish your skin. A gentle cleanser, rich moisturizer, daily sunscreen, and a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to achieve healthy skin as you age.
At Morada Lawton Senior Living in Dallas, TX, we offer a vibrant senior living community rich in the flavors and traditions of southern living. We provide a variety of senior living options designed to suit your needs. Enjoy the freedom and independence of senior living along with a qualified helping hand whenever you need it.
Contact Morada Lawton Senior Living today to learn more.
