skin care for seniors

How To Care For Your Skin In Your 60s And 70s

Skincare routines should change with every stage of your life, and if you have stepped into senior years, there are some things you should incorporate into your routine. Although the earlier you start with skincare regimens the better, every dermatologist will tell you that it is never too late to start taking care of your skin, even in your 60s or 70s. Even though there are tons of wrinkle creams, eye serums, and other anti-aging products you can use, the road to healthy and glowing skin with the minimal amount of fine lines begins with healthy skin care habits. Here are some of the ways you can care for your skin in your senior years

Change your bathing routine

If your skin has become dry or itchy, you might want to consider making some changes to your bathing routine. First of all, you should avoid using bar soap and instead opt for a creamy cleanser. Second of all, even if hot showers feel amazing, you should be aware that hot water strips the skin of its natural oils. In order to avoid dealing with dry skin, switch to warm showers. You should also stop using bath brushes since they can irritate your skin, and use a soft cloth. After a shower, pat your skin so you do not remove all the water. Your skin needs to have some water on it when you apply moisturizer. Speaking of which, your moisturizer needs to be creamy and fragrance-free, and preferably without any additives. Here you can find more skincare products that are free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. 

Get a humidifier

It is a known fact that heating and air conditioning can dry out the air. Dry air tends to make your skin dry and itchy, so in order to maintain pleasant humidity levels in your home, invest in a humidifier.  Keep indoor humidity between 45% and 60% and you can avoid having to deal with dry and itchy skin.

Wear gloves

Regardless of whether you are washing the dishes, scrubbing the floors, or doing some work in your garden, you should always wear protective gloves. With age our skin becomes thinner and more prone to injuries, so keep it protected from harsh chemicals, sunlight, and other things that can cause irritation. Speaking of sun protection…

Don’t forget about the sunscreen

If your skin is wrinkly, has visible age spots and blotches, you might be wondering what’s the point of using sunscreen anymore. However, at this stage in your life, you can still greatly benefit from regularly using sun protection. Not only will you prevent new age spots and blotchy skin you can reduce dryness and, more importantly, reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Make sure you use a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. 

Seek shade

Unfortunately, sunscreen cannot block 100% of the UV rays, so wear clothes that will protect you from the sun. In addition, avoid leaving your home in the early afternoon, and seek shade when you are outside. 

Get regular check-ups

When you are in your 60s or 70s, it is important to regularly see a dermatologist for skin cancer exams. After your 50th birthday, the risk of developing skin cancer rapidly increases and it continues to increase as you grow older. You should also learn how to examine your skin for signs of cancer yourself. This way you will be able to detect it early and get it removed before it spreads. 

The best skincare is actually achieved in your everyday routines, so follow these guidelines and enjoy your senior years to the fullest.