Skincare for older adults. It’s natural for the body to experience changes in its appearance and composition as a person gets older. One of the most obvious changes that everyone goes through as they age happens to the skin. Elderly skin is thinner compared to younger skin — it also tends to bruise much easier and is much more prone to cracking and flaking. Luckily, there are ways to counter the effects of skin aging and keep elderly skin looking healthy and glowing year-round.
While skincare may be a massive buzzword in the beauty industry, it also has a myriad of benefits both for a person’s appearance and their mental wellbeing.
In this article, we take a look at 7 useful tips to take care of your skin in your 60s and 70s. Read on to learn how you can create a skincare routine that perfectly fits your needs and goals.
Common skin conditions in seniors
Senior skin is vulnerable to a number of skin conditions, most of which can be prevented by taking appropriate action. Below are some of the most common skin conditions in seniors:
Wrinkles
Wrinkles are one of the most common signs of skin aging. They can be caused by a number of things; however, the most prominent reason for wrinkles is major sun exposure.
Itchy and dry skin
Oil glands help the skin stay soft and plump. However, as a person ages, they lose these oil glands, which may result in itchiness and dryness of the skin.
Age spots
Age spots are also often referred to as “sun spots” and appear prominently on sun-exposed areas of the skin e.g., the face, hands, and forearms. They usually start to appear during your adult years and increase in number as you age.
Bedsores
Bedsores or skin ulcers are common in seniors who have mobility issues or are bedridden. This condition is a result of constant pressure applied to the skin during extended periods of sitting or lying down.
Skin cancer
Statistics show that the majority of Americans aged 65 and up are prone to developing skin cancer. This can be due to excessive sun exposure or other factors that can negatively affect the skin.
7 tips to take care of your skin in your 60s and 70s
Looking your best in your 60s and 70s doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Below we’ve made a list of 7 useful tips you can easily do at home.
Tip 1: Try oil cleansing
If you haven’t heard of the oil cleansing method yet, it’s the process of cleansing your face using plant oils that help nourish the skin and treat (some) skin conditions. This method has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that people started realizing the benefits of oil cleansing for aging skin.
A number of well-known brands now include oil cleansers in their facial care kits. Many people have also turned to the oil cleansing method as a way to treat sensitive skin issues and reduce breakouts.
Tip 2: Use gentle soaps
Elderly skin is much thinner and more sensitive than its younger counterparts. Whether you’re taking a bath or doing your laundry, it’s important to make sure that you’re using soaps that are gentle to the skin. Opt for soaps that are unscented or include moisturizing elements to prevent skin dryness and cracking after every use.
Tip 3: Moisturize
The older you get the easier it is for your skin to become dehydrated and crack. Making sure to moisturize with a gentle lotion or personalized night cream every day can help prevent these conditions from developing. Furthermore, it can also help you retain a healthy and glowing complexion, even in old age.
Tip 4: Practice sun protection
Are you noticing more wrinkles, sun spots, and brown blotches on your skin? It may be a result of excessive sun exposure. Practicing sun protection can help prevent the appearance of new wrinkles and dark spots. Make sure to apply sunscreen on your skin before stepping outside. Furthermore, gear yourself up with long-sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat, and a pair of sunglasses.
Tip 5: Get examined
The skin starts to develop skin cancer and pre-cancerous growths at around age 50. And the older you get, the higher the risk becomes. To catch conditions before they become irreversible is key to a healthy old age. If you notice something different about your skin (a mole, a rash, or abnormal blotches) contact your doctor immediately and have yourself checked.
Tip 6: Keep showers short
Excessively long showers can strip the skin of its natural moisture, which may result in dryness, cracking, and wrinkling. To prevent this, experts recommend keeping your showers short to at least 5 or 10 minutes.
Tip 7: Warm, not hot
Hot showers can be tempting, especially during particularly chilly days. However, it’s important to avoid hot showers, as these can easily strip the skin of its natural oils. This can increase skin dryness and may even lead to cracking in some cases.
Healthier, glowing skin in old age
Old age shouldn’t be a reason for you to give up on your skincare. With a consistent and dedicated skincare regimen, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin even in old age. The 7 tips we mentioned are some of the basic yet most important steps to take in order to take care of your skin in your 60s and 70s. We hope it helps you find a routine that’s fit for your skin type and lifestyle.
