Written by: Jennifer Gorman (*Amsive Digital) | Reviewed by: Shelley Wyant | *MHP partners with Amsive Digital on news content
Skin Care and Aging
From age spots to dry skin to wrinkles, the aging process brings plenty of noticeable changes to your skin. Aging well means embracing these changes and adjusting your skin care routine to address the unique needs of aging skin. Read on to learn how to care for your skin in your 60s, 70s, and beyond.
Understanding Aging Skin
Understanding how aging affects the skin can help you prepare for the changes you’ll experience and embrace the natural aging process.
What Happens to Skin as a Person Ages
Over the years, many normal aging-related changes occur within your skin. The outer layer of your skin gets thinner, and the blood vessels under the skin become more fragile. You might notice you bruise more easily.
With age, the number of skin cells that make pigment decrease, leaving your skin looking paler. The oil glands in your skin start making less oil, resulting in drier skin.
Another key change is that your body makes less collagen, a protein that strengthens and supports your skin, causing it to sag. Your skin also becomes less elastic.
Key Signs of Aging Skin
As you get older, you may notice that your skin looks and feels different than it did when you were younger. Some key signs of aging skin are:
- Wrinkles: The folds and creases that naturally develop on your skin as its collagen levels decline.
- Age spots: Patches of darkened skin that form in areas that get exposed to sun, like the face and hands.
- Skin tags: Skin-colored growths that form where skin rubs against skin, like the underarms.
- Dry skin: Rough patches of skin that can look cracked or flaky or feel itchy.
Factors Affecting Aging Skin
Skin changing with age is inevitable, but there are many external and internal factors that affect how quickly you see the effects of aging on the skin.
External Factors Contributing to Skin Aging
Chronic sun exposure is the main reason why some people look older than their actual age. The sun’s ultraviolet light damages skin cells and accelerates the aging process.
Exposure to outdoor air pollution, like smog, has also been linked to faster skin aging. The toxins may cause inflammation and cell damage, which promotes aging.
Certain lifestyle choices can also contribute to premature aging. Smoking tobacco, drinking too much alcohol, eating an unhealthy diet, or not getting enough sleep can damage the skin, resulting in wrinkles or other changes.
Internal Factors and Their Effects on the Skin
Sometimes, the factors that affect how fast your skin ages are things you have little to no control over. For example, the genes you inherit play a role in the development of wrinkles.
Natural hormonal changes also affect the skin. When women enter menopause, their skin starts making less oil, resulting in drier, itchier skin.
Preventative Measures for Aging Skin
There are some steps you can take to help keep your skin healthy, including limiting sun exposure and staying hydrated.
Sun Protection Strategies
Since chronic sun exposure is the main external factor contributing to skin aging, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your skin while spending time outdoors.
Dermatologists recommend covering as much of your skin as possible when going outdoors. Opt for long-sleeved shirts and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and shoes that cover your feet.
On areas of your skin that aren’t covered by clothing, like your face and hands, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
The Role of Hydration in Skin Care
Dehydration happens when your body doesn’t have enough water, and it’s common in older people. When you’re dehydrated, your skin and lips can become dry. For good skin health, it’s important to drink enough fluids. The general recommendation is six to eight cups of water a day, but individual needs vary.
External hydration is also important. Applying moisturizer to your skin helps trap water, which relieves dry skin. It also temporarily plumps up the skin, which helps disguise wrinkles.
Skin Care Routines for Aging Skin
As your skin changes with age, you may find that the skin care routine that worked when you were younger no longer meets your needs.
Essential Products for Aging Skin Care
As you age, you may choose to incorporate products with hydrating agents or antioxidants into your skincare routine.
Hydrating agents help moisturize dry skin, which is a concern for many older adults. Look for moisturizers that include ingredients with proven benefits, like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
Antioxidants help neutralize chemicals in your body that can damage cells, known as free radicals. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants that are often added to skincare products.
Daily and Weekly Skin Care Routines
A skin care routine is the series of steps you take each day to look after your skin. Each person’s routine can be different based on their unique skin needs. To create your routine, focus on:
- Gentle cleansing: Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to remove dirt and excess oil from your skin. Older adults may not need to bathe every day.
- Moisturizing: Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer, ideally right after cleansing. If your skin is dry, you may prefer a thicker cream or ointment.
- Targeted treatments: Apply products that target your individual skin concerns, like age spots or wrinkles. Ask your dermatologist for advice about targeted treatments.
- Applying sunscreen: Sunscreen is a crucial step in a skin care routine since sun exposure can accelerate the signs of aging.
When to Consider Professional Advice
Wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging skin are normal parts of getting older, but there are other skin changes that may require medical care.
Consider seeing your doctor or dermatologist if your skin is dry and not improving through lifestyle changes and home remedies. Sometimes, dry skin can be a sign of other health problems.
If you notice a new growth on your skin, or a change in the way an old mole or spot looks, talk to your doctor. These types of changes may be a sign of skin cancer.
Embrace Your Aging Skin
Everyone’s skin changes with age, and the right lifestyle choices and skincare products can help you keep your skin looking and feeling its best. For help finding the right skincare routine for your aging skin, or to address specific skin concerns, consult your dermatologist.
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