Medically reviewed by Mary Thompson, RN
Medically reviewed by Mary Thompson, RN
As people get older, their skin changes. It's important to know about these changes so you can take good care of your skin. Knowing how time affects your skin can help you keep it healthy. This blog will talk about the basics of skincare for seniors, how skin works, what makes skin age, tips for taking care of your skin, and what to look for when buying skincare products.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, serving as a protective barrier against external elements. It consists of three primary layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The skin also shields the body from harmful substances, UV radiation, and physical injury.
The skin’s sweat production controls body temperature and helps blood vessels dilate and constrict. Finally, the nerve endings in the skin allow the ability to feel touch, pressure, pain, and temperature.
The most visible sign of aging skin is wrinkles or creases. This happens because the skin's structure and function change. These changes include decreased production of essential proteins like elastin and collagen, which contribute to the skin's elasticity and firmness.
Over time, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile. Fewer cells hold pigment which leads to age spots and uneven skin tone. Dryness occurs because the skin produces less oil and sweat. Many age-related skin changes are a natural part of skin maturing. Your genes largely control when these changes occur, and this type of aging is called intrinsic aging. Several factors can accelerate skin aging:
Seniors are more susceptible to various chronic skin conditions. If you’re experiencing ongoing skin problems, visit with your Conviva primary care doctor who can help diagnose and recommend the best skincare routine.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. There are three main types.
Here's an easy way to remember the signs of melanoma, using the ABCDE's:
While skin cancer rates are rising, most cases can be prevented by following simple sun safety recommendations.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, but the likelihood increases with certain risk factors. Common risk factors include:
Overall skin health starts with following a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle can help keep your skin looking young and fresh. What’s a healthy lifestyle? Basic health focuses on eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and getting plenty of rest. Beyond the basics, think about the following, especially when enjoying the outdoors.
Younger bodies produce more oil and sweat, so bathing routines are usually more frequent. Senior skin, however, slows down like everything else. A daily routine shifts, responding to the reality of the times. These suggestions may help you think about your own daily routine and how to adjust.
Ever wonder what all those words and terms mean on a skincare bottle? Figuring out what is healthy or not can be a mystery today with the vast number of options and the long ingredient lists. Here’s a quick at-a-glance list to make the buying process clearer.
Look for: Unscented, uncolored soaps
Avoid: Triclosan and triclocarban because of ongoing concerns linked to health risks
Look for: Soothing ingredients
Avoid: Artificial fragrances and colors
Look for: Labels like oil-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic
Avoid: Parabens as they may cause hormone-related issues
Look for: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, or ethanol or ethyl alcohol in at least 60% alcohol
Avoid: Don't overuse hand sanitizers²
Look for: Soothing ingredients
Avoid: Retinyl palmitate or acetate, retinoic acid, and retinol in daytime products
Look for: Oil-based with petrolatum as a base
Avoid: Parabens
Look for: Antioxidants
Avoid: Artificial fragrances and colors
Look for: SPF values of 15 or higher
Avoid: Alpha and beta hydroxy acids
When shopping for sunscreen, it's important to look for the safest, most effective options. These general guidelines will help when choosing sunscreen.
What to look for:
What to consider avoiding:
As the largest organ of the body, skin plays a critical role in overall health. Over time, many factors influence skin health including general lifestyle choices, the environment, and commercial products. Learning more about how to care for skin when younger can lead to healthier skin in later years.
Disclaimers:
Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.
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