Every group contains at least one individual whose skin does not appear to be affected by the passage of time in the same way that everyone else's does. There may be a few fine lines here and there, but their skin appears to be healthy, glowing, and flawless for the most part. This is especially true when you consider their age.
So, what is the key to maintaining healthy skin in older adults?
First and foremost, it is critical to recognize that genetics does play a role in some cases. However, even if we have the most cooperative set of genes on the planet, we can still develop skin problems as we age if we do not adhere to a proper skin care regimen.
Here are our best skin care tips for older adults to get you started on the right foot in that department.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin in Older Adults
It is never too late to strive for healthy skin, no matter what age you are. These suggestions can assist you in maintaining healthy skin.
Always remember to moisturize.
You probably don't need a federal agency to tell you that dry skin is common in older adults, but the National Institute on Aging says it is worth pointing out anyway. While there may be a variety of contributing factors, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or medications, one of the most common is a failure to consume enough fluids. Purchase bottled water or splurge on a nice new water bottle to keep at your desk. To the extent that your physician has not restricted your fluid intake, make every effort to drink water throughout the day. If you're not sure how much liquid you should be consuming each day, consult your doctor.
In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIA) recommends using a generous amount of lotion. Find a moisturizer that doesn't have a scent or one that has a scent that you like and stock up on it. Every morning and every night before going to bed, you should apply it to your skin.
If you haven't already, put an end to your smoking habit.
Most of us are aware that smoking is harmful in a variety of ways. It has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. However, according to WebMD, many people are unaware that it can also cause your skin to age prematurely. If you are a smoker, you should consult your doctor for advice on smoking cessation programs and strategies. Some of these procedures may even be covered by your health insurance.
Keep an eye on the Sun
It is at this point that you should adopt the 'it is never too late' attitude. As with smoking, taking a proactive approach in this area can have a positive impact on the skin health of senior citizens. There are three approaches to keeping an eye on the sun:
Don't be out in the sun for too long during peak sun hours.
Wear sunscreen and a hat that protects your face from the sun.
Self-examination for skin cancer should be done on a regular basis.
Because many medications can make you more sensitive to the sun, it is especially important for older adults who take medication to be mindful of the sun.
Women are more likely than men to be proactive in their cancer self-screening. In fact, according to a recent study, older men were more likely than any other group to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma by a dermatologist, which was a disturbing discovery.
Younger men and women, as well as older women, have a lower risk of developing melanoma because the disease is detected at an earlier stage of development. In light of this information, researchers have concluded that older men should begin performing their own skin cancer screenings.
Take it easy with the long, hot baths.
Sorry, bath-lovers, but you're out of luck. Baths, as we all know, are extremely relaxing. However, while the hot water is beneficial to your mind and muscles, your skin may be slowly drying out as a result of the heat. Putting oil in your bath water is one way to combat this problem.
Once you've finished your soak, cycle back to Tip #1 and repeat the process (moisturize). You can still enjoy your baths, but following these precautions will help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.