“And the beauty of a woman, with passing years it only grows!” If anyone knew about aging well, it was Audrey Hepburn. One of the best ways to stay looking and feeling your best in your golden years is by learning how to care for aging skin.
How to Care for Aging Skin
As we age, sometimes our self-care routines need to change a little bit. One of the things that can be challenging for seniors is figuring out how to adjust their skincare routines. You may be finding that your skin is drier or more easily irritated than it used to be. However, the good news is that this is easily fixed with the right skincare routine. Learn how to care for aging skin, and you’ll be loving the skin you’re in again before you know it.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
One of the reasons that skin gets more irritable in older age is that it retains less moisture than it used to. If you’re not using a daily moisturizer, it’s time to start! Use the following tips to work moisturizing into your daily routine:
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing cleanser in the shower or bath. Don’t use harsh bar soaps or other cleansers that can strip the moisture from your skin. Look for cleansers that have moisturizers listed in their ingredients, like glycerin or lanolin.
- Keep your bath short, and keep the water as cool as you can stand it. Hot water can remove moisture from your skin.
- Once you’re out of the bath, keep moisturizing. Use a gentle moisturizer all over your body every time you take a bath or shower. Reapply whenever your skin feels sensitive. If you aren’t sure what product to use, ask your doctor for their advice.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Another reason your skin may be giving you some more trouble than usual is that it’s more easily irritated by the sun. You may have never thought about sun protection before, but it’s a vital step in your skincare routine:
- In general, try to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm, as that is when the sun will be at its strongest. Also, don’t assume that a cloudy day is safer than a sunny one. The ultraviolet rays that cause skin damage can penetrate clouds.
- Wear sunscreen every day. You should wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 every time you go out. This should be applied everywhere that the sun can touch your skin, including your hairline and scalp.
- Dress to protect yourself from the sun. Consider longer sleeves, and add a sunhat and sunglasses to your summer wardrobe. Look for clothing items that have an SPF of 15 or more listed on their labels. If sunglasses or a sunhat don’t have an SPF rating, they may be more of a fashion accessory than sun protection, so be sure to read before you buy.
Give Your Skin the Love It Deserves
One of the most important parts of taking care of your body is learning to love what you see in the mirror at any age. Popular culture over-emphasizes the value of youth, which can sometimes lead to mixed feelings about aging. Changes in your skin are a natural part of aging, and they don’t have to be viewed in a negative light. Spend some time in front of the mirror after your skincare routine and look for things you love. Remember that crow’s feet and smile lines are evidence of a life well-lived, full of laughter and joy. Get to know your skin, and show it some love every day. It will show you love right back.
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Your skin has taken great care of you throughout the course of your life, and it will continue to do so as long as you return the favor. So stock up on moisturizer, treat yourself to a new sunhat, and remember what Audrey Hepburn said. As you age, your beauty only grows, so embrace it.
Are you planning to retire in Greenville, South Carolina? Be sure to check out The Gables on Pelham, a continuing care retirement community that welcomes seniors from all walks of life. We offer flexible and personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. You’ll love our cozy accommodations, fun-filled events calendar, and welcoming community atmosphere. To learn more, please schedule a tour or give us a call at 864-713-1377.