Baby skin is soft and delicate. Teenagers have more acne-prone skin. Skin at every age has special needs, including for people over fifty.
Aging skin is a complex process. A number of factors affect how our skin ages, including genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.1
- Genetics can predispose you to certain factors like wrinkling, skin sensitivity, and certain skin conditions.
- Hormones fluctuate as we age, especially in women, which can cause skin to become thinner, dryer, less elastic, and more wrinkled.2
- Environmental factors from things like pollution and UV exposure can lead to skin spots and damage.
As a result of these factors, skin becomes thinner and loses fat. Sweat and oil glands don’t function as well, plus slower collagen production leads to looser skin over time. Apart from wrinkles and looser skin, what does this mean for skin as you age?
For many, aging skin means more sensitive skin.
Dryness and itching: Many older people are prone to dry skin which can cause itchiness, flakiness, and a rough texture. Skin is also more susceptible to things like sunburns and dry air.
Slower healing: Because skin is thinner and less plump, scrapes and bruises can take longer to heal. Some medications that many older adults take, such as blood thinners, can also lead to increased bruising.
Wrinkles: As skin becomes less elastic, it can become more wrinkled. Gravity, sun damage, and habits like smoking can cause additional wrinkling.
Age spots: These flat, brown spots show up on the backs of hands, arms, and faces and are often the result of years of sun exposure.
Skin cancer: Keep track of new moles and age spots, sores that don’t heal, and areas of bleeding. If you see these signs, make an appointment with your doctor.3
While aging skin may need a little extra TLC, there are a few easy ways to help support it.
- Limit time in the sun and use sunscreen.
It’s okay to go outside but try to avoid sun exposure between 10am and 4pm, when UV rays are strongest. Wear a hat and long sleeves to protect your skin. And always wear sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher – even if it looks cloudy outside. - Get your skin checked by a dermatologist.
As we age, it’s important to stay on top of our health, which means regularly seeing a doctor. The same goes for skin! Your dermatologist will track your skin health, plus provide tips for keeping skin healthy. - Stay hydrated and moisturized.
Drink plenty of liquids to help skin stay hydrated and use lotions, creams, and ointments to help alleviate dry, itchy skin. During wintertime, a room humidifier can help combat the effects of dry winter air. - Use age-appropriate skincare products.
Skin can become more sensitive as we age, which means it might be time to switch up what products you use. Opt for skincare products made for sensitive or aging skin. Look for products that are free of dyes and perfumes, and that are doctor-recommended. - Don’t forget sensitive-skin laundry detergent.
Be sure to use a sensitive skin laundry detergent like all® free clear. It’s the #1 dermatologist and allergist recommended sensitive skin laundry detergent. The hypoallergenic formula is 100% free of dyes & perfumes, and it removes 99% of top everyday and seasonal allergens* that can irritate skin. That means it’s formulated to be gentle on skin yet effective at cleaning laundry.
If you want to learn more about sensitive skin including additional helpful tips, check out the article All About Sensitive Skin.
* Dog and cat dander, dust mite matter, ragweed pollen, grass/tree pollen. all® free clear is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.
Sources:
- Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):308-19. doi: 10.4161/derm.22804. PMID: 23467476; PMCID: PMC3583892.
- Thornton MJ. Estrogens and aging skin. Dermatoendocrinol. 2013 Apr 1;5(2):264-70. doi: 10.4161/derm.23872. PMID: 24194966; PMCID: PMC3772914.
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care/skin-care-and-aging
