How You Can Definitively Care for Your Skin as You Get Older

When we reach a certain age, we may notice some changes in our skin – our skin will indeed look different from when we were in our 20s and even 30s. These changes can be subtle at first, but with age, skin can become more vulnerable and needs greater care. Of course, everyone will age in a different manner, but there are general changes that may be apparent, such as drier skin, skin that looks thinner and may appear more paper-like, and skin that can develop wrinkles, creases, and spots. Skin can also appear blotchier as we get older, and it may even be easily irritated. You may bruise more easily as well, and you may notice that you are sweating less. If you are concerned about how you can properly care for your skin as you get older, here’s your best and most essential guide.

When bathing

Cleansing is important, but it can leave your skin dry, especially if you use hot water. The first rule, then, is to use warm water instead of hot. Hot water may feel amazing, but it can easily remove the natural oils from your skin, leaving it drier. If you can, replace bar soap with a cleanser or wash that’s gentle, fragrance-free, and creamy. It would also be best to use soft cloths rather than a bath brush or buff puff for your skin as it can get irritated, and when you have your shower or bath, keep it short. Often, a ten-minute shower or bath will do.

After you bathe, pat the skin dry, but remember to leave a little bit of moisture on your skin (leave it damp). When you have remaining water on your skin, it can more readily absorb moisturiser. Use a moisturiser that’s clean and creamy and free from fragrances, and do this within just a few minutes of bathing or showering.

Protecting yourself from the sun

Protecting yourself from the sun is the second most important thing you can do for your skin, and if you do, you can likely prevent the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and wrinkles. Protecting yourself from the sun can also prevent blotches – and, of course, it can help lessen your risk of having skin cancer. The best sunscreen would be one that has a high SPF of 30 (or more) and make sure to apply it every two hours if you will be spending more time outdoors. Sunscreen will not completely block out the sun’s rays, so it’s important to seek as much shade as possible as well. You should also wear clothes that can protect you, and long trousers, long-sleeved blouses, and hats.

General care for older skin

General care for older skin also involves making use of skin care products that have ingredients such as vitamin C, which is a powerful and effective antioxidant that can fight free radical damage. There are many skincare products that optimise vitamin C, such as SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF from www.totalbodycare.co.uk which combines vitamin C with phloretin and ferulic acid that can reduce and correct visible ageing signs.

Make it a point to go fragrance-free with all the other products you use, and avoid strong perfumes and colognes that can irritate sensitive, older skin. At 50, you should also make an appointment with a dermatologist as your risk for developing pre-cancerous cells becomes higher as well.

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