First of all, it is important to know that no one is exempt from aging. Each passing moment in your life contributes to the aging process, and no one can avoid it. The quality of your skin as you age is also tied to your genes and your environment, so there is definitely some degree of skin aging that is not up to you.
While there are many factors outside of your control, you still have a say on how you take care of your skin daily. There are ways to approach the aging process more gracefully, especially since your skin is more fragile in your older years.
The Best Practices for Older Skin
As you care for your skin in the later years of your life, these efforts can slow down the process of aging and give you better skin.
1. Eat and live healthily.
Yes, we know. This is technically not part of your skincare routine! Still, how you approach your diet and fitness has consequences on your skin.
Recent studies show that fatty foods play a large part in the aging process, aside from many health issues. Additionally, it is also important to stop smoking because it promotes skin pigmentation and reduces skin elasticity, which is already negatively affected by old age.
Your skin also becomes less capable of protecting itself with continued alcohol intake, so it is wisest to stop drinking alcohol. Instead, stay hydrated. Drinking enough water daily gives the skin a healthy glow and makes your body better at flushing out toxins.
Pair your good eating habits with an active lifestyle, too. However, one thing to note is that this can be tricky with older adults who are suffering from existing illnesses. Caregiving services at home can help you understand the best approaches to fitness while also making sure that you receive treatment for certain conditions.
2. Wash your face gently.
The unfortunate reality is that your skin is not built the same way it used to be. When you wash your face, avoid using cleansers with strong or harsh chemicals. Opt for mild cleansers that are friendlier to the skin.
Avoid taking hot showers or washing your face with hot water as hot baths or showers tend to dry out the skin. While baths generally strip off moisture from the skin, using lukewarm water prevents it from excessively drying. Don’t take too long to bathe, too, because the longer you stay in the water, the more dryness your skin will experience.
3. Moisturize your skin regularly.
Aside from dehydration, illnesses and medications can also make the skin drier. If skin moisturization was already a necessity at a young age, it becomes more important to moisturize when you are older.
Avoid itchy and often painful rashes and cracked skin using a moisturizer in the morning and at night before you go to bed. Stay on the safe side when choosing your moisturizer, though! Go for fragrance-free ones that will be gentler on your skin.
4. Protect your skin from the sun.
You have probably heard this all before, but sunscreen is an absolute must for any person, whether young or old. Even in your senior years, you should apply sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and is labeled broad spectrum. If you often sweat throughout the day, reapply it every two hours.
Try to stay out of the harsh sunlight when you can. While getting your dose of vitamin D is important, too much sun exposure can cause sunburns or other sicknesses that will further weaken your skin.
When you are under the sun, dress safely for the weather. Wear loose, thin clothes that ideally cover most of your skin while still allowing you to move freely. A wide-brimmed hat also comes in handy when outdoors.
5. Do things that bring you joy.
Finally, you should do things that let you have a good time. Happiness gives you a radiance that no skincare or beauty product can.
When you are happy and enjoying yourself, your body releases feel-good hormones that allow it to function properly. When your body functions well, it is also better equipped to distribute nutrients that give your skin a healthy glow. Of course, happiness is still best partnered with healthy habits and a good skincare routine!
Caring for your skin in your older years requires a little more care and consideration. But overall, a healthy, happy lifestyle helps lead you to better days and much better skin!
