This question, I think, is repeated in many minds out there. For many, it is difficult to ask out loud and recognize that they are getting old; then they look for an answer on the internet or perhaps in magazines, or TV commercials easily convince them.
The fact is that most people look for a way to counteract the premature signs of aging, which manifest through our skin.
I am not an exception, because I am growing old. My main problem is the impact of many years of walking in the sun without protection, exacerbated by dryness after menopause. I confess that my search began in the same way that I described above.
I walked through the brands that magically grant instant youth, according to the commercials that convinced me. Then I went to natural medicine and used all kinds of home remedies that I found on the internet. Until one day, I decided to share my concern with a specialist in skincare and beauty. Sure, I was lucky that this person loves her profession and gets involved in guiding you to find a solution from a holistic perspective.
Today I am pleased with the results, my skin looks improved, and I think I have managed to slow down the progress of the external signs of aging.
My coach’s passion, and the success I experienced under her guidance, was what moved me to study to become a health, beauty, and life coach and learn the secrets of applied holistic health.
Here I bring you a compendium of tips to maintain healthy skin as you age.
A Senior’s Guide to Healthy Skin
Your skin changes as you grow older. It grows thinner, drier, and less elastic. However, you can do many simple things to keep your skin looking and feeling as healthy as possible.
If you’re wondering why your skin is less supple than it used to be, there are many possible causes. That includes certain medical conditions and natural physical changes, like your glands slowing down. Lifestyle plays a part too, especially if you sunbathe or smoke cigarettes.
Learn how to care for your aging skin. Study this guide for keeping your skin healthy in your golden years.
Caring for Dry Skin
Xeroderma and xerosis are the medical terms for dry skin. Dry skin can make you uncomfortable and self-conscious and may cause infections if left untreated.
Try these tips to keep more moisture in your skin:
1. Avoid hot water. Long hot baths dry out your skin. Try soaking briefly in warm water instead. Wear rubber gloves while handing washing dishes.
2. Dry off gently. Older skin requires a light touch. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel and leave your skin a little damp. Use your fingers to wash instead of stiff brushes or sponges.
3. Moisturize frequently. Apply moisturizer at least once a day, especially after bathing. If your current brands are inadequate, ask your doctor or your beauty consultant for recommendations. You may need a different formula, or you may want to use larger amounts.
4. Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day. Your sense of thirst declines with age, so it may benefit you to create other reminders to help you stay on track.
5. Humidify your home. Indoor heating and air conditioning dry the air. Run a humidifier to bring the relative humidity back to 30 to 50 percent.
6. Avoid scratching. Try to keep your hands off of irritated skin to avoid infections. If you’re itchy, use cold compresses or shop for ointments at your local drug store.
Preventing Skin Cancer
It’s a myth that most sun damage occurs before the age of 18. You can reduce your risk of skin cancer even in your senior years. Regular screenings and self-examinations will also help you receive prompt treatment and increase your odds of recovering from skin cancer.
Use these strategies:
1. Seek shade. Just 10 minutes of sun can help you get the vitamin D your body needs for strong bones and immune functions. Otherwise, limit your exposure and forget about tanning beds.
2. Apply sunscreen. When you are outdoors for longer periods, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Give yourself a second helping if you swim or sweat. Protective clothing helps too.
3. Inspect yourself. Most skin cancers appear after the age of 50. Perform self-examinations in front of a mirror at least once a month. Ask your doctor what screening schedule you need for your circumstances.
Other Tips for Senior Skin Care
Keep these helpful techniques in mind:
1. Reduce wrinkles. Crow’s feet and laugh lines are harmless. If wrinkles and age spots make you uncomfortable, explore medical options. Many products advertised online or on TV are a waste of money and may even harm your skin.
2. Eliminate irritations. Make life easier for your epidermis. Wear natural fibers. Avoid fragrances and harsh chemicals as much as possible.
3. Heal faster. The elderly bruise more easily, and injuries take longer to heal. Be extra careful about keeping wounds clean and properly dressed. Managing stress, eating a healthy diet, and getting adequate rest may speed up recovery as well.
4. Ask your doctor. Skin issues can sometimes be a symptom of underlying conditions such as diabetes or arthritis. Talk with your doctor about your concerns, especially if you notice sudden changes in your skin.
We have to consider aging as just another part of life. Indeed, we are rarely ready for old age. One way or another, it always takes us by surprise. Overcome that initial stupor; it is time to redirect some aspects to grow old healthy and happily.
Conclusions
We have to consider aging as just another part of life. Indeed, we are rarely ready for old age. One way or another, it always takes us by surprise. Overcome that initial stupor; it is time to redirect some aspects to grow old healthy and happily.Here
Hey there! Thanks for this awesome and educational article on how to take care of our skin. I’ve personally have had dark circles under my eyes due to insomnia. Other than that I haven’t had any skin problems besides sunburns. I do think this article is useful for later on in my life. To be honest, I was actually surprised to read that hot water causes wrinkles since I take hot showers all the time. It would make sense though from the way you described it.
Hi, Gabriel! Thank you for reading and commenting. When we are young, we tend to think that the signs of aging will never reach us; I say this from my own experience. In our youth, we pay little attention to what some older people tell us, such as “don’t expose yourself to the sun at this time; you are going to regret it later.” I remember my dad telling me, “don’t frown, you’ll get wrinkles,” and I thought to myself, “wrinkles!? Come on, dad, I won’t get wrinkles”. It wasn’t until my early thirties that I started to notice some horrible lines between the eyebrows, which I could no longer disguise. I began to worry a bit about my facial expressions, but it was a little too late. I had made a habit of frowning while reading or walking to get to school, or any other place, sometimes for hours. I lived in the Caribbean. So, start acting as early as possible.
About the hot showers, I can’t deny they are super relaxing. The action mechanism has to do with the dilation of blood vessels and the wall of skin cells. The keratin-containing cells found in the outermost layer of our skin (the epidermis) are affected by this mechanism. This effect can dry out and irritate the skin. My recommendation is to bathe with lukewarm water.
Yes I agree with you, most people only start taking action AFTER they notice the wrinkles and signs of ageing.
More people would be better off if they took greater care of their skin at a younger age.
Your tips are timeless advice for anyone wanting to care for dry skin and I hope more young people read this too. I have always used moisturiser and recently learned about humidifying the home, so have a diffuser in my office.
I have oily skin and now in my 50’s and I believe all your tips are applicable to oily skin also.
Hi John! Thank you for reading my article and commenting. I am 1000 percent agree that starting at a younger age is the best for healthier skin later in life. Please, share my site with family and friends.