Our skin tells a beautiful story of the life we’ve experienced, so follow these tips to care for yourself and enjoy an active lifestyle without worry as you age!
Why Skin Health Matters for Seniors
Prioritizing our skin health is so important as we age because it allows seniors to:
- Feel comfortable and hydrated
- Manage chronic conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Prevent injury or infection from unprotected wounds and bruising
- Stay active and enjoy the elements outdoors or the sunlight coming in
Understand the Changes in Aging Skin
Our skin is the first indication that we are aging, and it’s important to understand the common changes in our skin as it happens, both healthy and unhealthy. These changes can be brought on by the sun, age-related changes, hormonal changes like menopause, and chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
Healthy skin changes that are common include:
- Age spots, freckles, or uneven skin tone from the increase in remaining pigment cells, especially in areas often exposed to sunlight, such as our hands
- Bruising from more easily broken blood vessels
- Dryness from the reduced oil and sweat glands
- Sagging from gravity over time and the reduced production of elastin and collagen
- Skins tags and other new growths
- Thinning, wrinkles, and fine lines as cell production decreases in the epidermis
The National Institute on Aging encourages you to watch for other skin changes and discuss them with your dermatologist, including Bowen’s disease, psoriasis, rosacea, scleroderma, seborrhoeic keratosis, shingles, skin cancers, skin infections, and solar keratoses.
Check Your Skin With the ABCDE Method
When examining your birthmarks, moles, and other parts of your skin for melanoma, use the ABCDE method to look for:
- Asymmetry with one half looking different from the other half
- Borders that look irregular
- Color changes or more than one color
- Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser
- Evolving changes in shapes, size, shades of color, surface (including bleeding), and symptoms such as itching or tenderness
Improve Your Lifestyle and Nutrition for Better Skin
Establishing an active daily routine that knocks out bad habits and forms healthy practices is a great start to overall wellness, including your skin health:
- Enjoy skin-healthy foods like berries, fatty fish, leafy greens, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly to improve circulation and a healthy complexion.
- Practice good sleeping habits to avoid eye bags and discoloration.
- Quit or reduce smoking and exposure to smoke.
- Reduce stress to decrease breakouts and sensitivity.
- Stay hydrated with water, green tea, and drinks rich in vitamin C, like orange juice.
- Use a humidifier to add extra moisture to the air, reducing skin dryness and irritation.
Follow Skin Care and Protection Guidelines
Our skin needs to be clean, nourished, and protected every day, so keep these guidelines in mind:
- Choose mild cleansers and avoid strong soaps and detergents, as they can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Follow healthy bathing recommendations to stay clean and reduce the chance of irritated skin. Bathe daily for up to ten minutes at a time with warm water, then pat or blot your skin dry with a fresh towel.
- Practice sun safety all year long to reduce the sun’s impact on your skin even when the weather or season is dark and cloudy.
- If you shave, be sure to do so after bathing when your skin is moist, use a clean, sharp razor, shave in the direction the hair grows, and rinse the razor after each stroke. It’s recommended to use gel, lotion, or shaving cream before shaving.
- If you wear makeup, be sure to remove it and clean your face before bedtime.
- Moisturize your skin, including your face, neck, and hands, with a moisturizer that supports your skin type and contains SPF daily.
Visit Your Doctor About Your Skin Health
The best thing to do is consult your dermatologist about good skin care and have a yearly exam to ensure you take the right next steps. Now’s the perfect time to schedule an appointment if you experience:
- Any changes after checking your skin with the ABCDE method mentioned earlier
- Bed or pressure sores
- Dry, irritated skin or itchy hives or rashes that won’t go away
- Family history of skin conditions or cancer
- Hair loss, which could be an indication of a scalp disorder
- Living in a place with a consistent sunny climate
- Nail disorders, including ingrown nails and fungal infections
- Recurring acne troubles
- Scars from acne, blemishes, or cuts
Explore how you can make the most of retirement in our ebook, Lifestyle Opportunities in Senior Living Communities!
At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.