As we age, our skin becomes more thin, loses fat, and becomes less plump. Bumps and scratches can also take longer to heal as we age! Being in the sun when we’re younger, may lead to dry skin, wrinkles, and age spots. (Skin Care and Aging, n.d.) There are ways we can take care of our skin as we age and we can work on protecting our skin too!
To protect your skin, limit time in the sun, wear sunscreen, and avoid tanning beds. Also, check your skin for birthmarks and moles, to identify if they are changing in size, changing in color, have borders that are irregular, or if the surface changes, such as itching, burning, or bleeding. (Skin Care and Aging, n.d.)
How can you take care of your skin?
– Use a humidifier when the air is dry
– Use warm, not hot water, when showering
– Wear gloves when gardening and doing housework
– Use products that are fragrance free
– Use a soft cloth to wash your skin
– Utilize a creamy, fragrance free, lotion for dry skin, within three minutes of taking a bath or shower
– Keep your bath or shower time short
– Pat water gently on your skin, after a shower or bath, but leave a little bit of water on your skin, to help with moisture
(American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.)
Resources:
- How to care for your skin in your 60s and 70s. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Retrieved July 8, 2022, from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-60s-and-70s
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Skin care and aging. National Institute on Aging. Retrieved July 8, 2022, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging
