Gentle Skincare Products for Aging Skin
After we turn 25, our skin's collagen -- a key component to its elasticity -- decreases by 1% annually, according to Eucerin. This means that the products a person uses in their younger years might not be an ideal part of an elderly skin care routine.
It's common for products to contain harsh ingredients, chemicals, and fragrances. These additives can lead to a myriad of skin-related issues, including dermatitis. This is why there are specially formulated gentle products for seniors, although it's important to understand that they're not all created equally.
Our comprehensive guide to the best aging skin care practices walks you through the ins and outs of a healthy senior skincare routine.
The Importance of Hydrating Elderly Skin
Hydration is one of the most important parts of any skin care routine, especially for older adults. Proper diet, nutrition, and hydration work to regulate your skin, helping it to retain much-needed moisture. Over time, skin loses moisture, which can lead to itchy and uncomfortable skin conditions.
Yes, you can use specially formulated moisturizing products on your skin, but one of the best ways to stay moisturized is by drinking plenty of water.
According to The National Academy of Medicine, it's estimated that for adults aged 51 and older, men should drink 13 cups of water every day and women should drink 9 cups of water. They can also get their water intake from certain foods, including:
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Celery
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges
- Tomatoes
Please keep in mind that some foods carry a higher-than-normal incidence of causing food poisoning. This is something the young and elderly are especially susceptible to, so always wash produce thoroughly.
Sensitive Skin Solutions for Aging Adults
It's thought that 71% of adults are prone to sensitive skin, according to Aveeno. This means that anyone with sensitive skin needs special products free from aggravating ingredients.
For starters, avoid the following:
- Alcohol
- Harsh exfoliants (and in some instances, any type of exfoliant)
- Essential oils, as they can clog pores
- Parabens
- Harsh chemicals
- Retinoids
- Sulfates
If your skin can comfortably handle hyaluronic acid, it can prove helpful for your skin and healthy aging.
What Types of Ingredients Should You Use?
The type of skin care ingredient you use depends on what you're looking to achieve. Some products are created to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, while others are geared for dry, flaky skin.
Here are some common aging skin conditions and the best products to use.
Sagging and Loose Skin
As we age, collagen wanes. This means that your skin loses elasticity, giving it a crepey, saggy appearance. Fortunately, you can use products with peptides to help combat this appearance.
Since peptides are made from amino acids, they're likely to contain collagen. By using a peptide-containing moisturizer every day, you can help improve your skin's overall appearance.
Uneven Skin Tone
An uneven skin tone might be from age, sun damage, acne, and other skin conditions. It can also affect the way we feel about ourselves, but there are products designed to combat these imperfections on our skin.
Retinoids and Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are ideal for sloughing away dead skin cells but, as mentioned, some of these products aren't ideal for sensitive skin. If you're unsure about how your skin will react to a product, do a patch test in an inconspicuous area until you're sure of how it will work.
Age Spots
Age spots can begin as early as your 30s, so don't feel alone if you have these marks on your skin. You can work to treat these imperfections on your skin by using the following over-the-counter products:
- Hydroquinone
- Retinoids
- Vitamin C
- Kojic acid
- Sunscreen
Although sunscreen won't reduce the reappearance of age spots, it can help protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. This is especially true since some skin care products can make you photosensitive.
Many of these products can be harsh, so you should always speak with your physician or a dermatologist before beginning any type of skin care routine. They'll evaluate your skin to ensure you're treating the correct issue, explain to you what products to use and how often, and prevent you from exacerbating existing skin conditions.
How to Use Skin Care Products
If your day starts with cleaning your skin, stick to alcohol and fragrance-free products. Gently massage these products into your skin before rinsing them off with warm water. Hot water can dry your skin out, so stick to tepid temperatures.
Next, you'll want to apply a moisturizer. You most likely just need a nickel-sized dollop, rubbing it gently into your chest, neck, and face.
Always use upward motions instead of pulling your skin downwards. Instead of rubbing vigorously, pat your skin until it absorbs the moisturizer.
Look for moisturizers with SPF in them, although it has to be at least 30 -- or higher. This SPF should be "broad spectrum," which means it works against both harmful UVB and UVA rays.
Even if you're indoors, it's important to use sunscreen. This is especially true for anyone who enjoys sitting near windows or who spends a lot of time in front of screens.
Additionally, it's important to moisturize your entire body. Look for products that contain the following ingredients:
- Ceraminds
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
When you use these products as part of your daily skin care routine, you're more likely to experience firmer, softer, glowing skin.
The Best Elderly Skin Care Program
Any elderly skin care regimen should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you have sensitive skin have other skin conditions. However, by following the tips and tricks in this essential skin care guide, you can quickly be on your way to healthy skin.
If you're looking to connect with more older adults about their skin care routine, talk to neighbors and local friends. Anyone in an assisted living community like Whitlock Place Assisted Living will have access to plenty of community activities, connecting with other residents and sharing advice on healthy aging in Crawfordsville, IN.
You can contact us today to learn more about our vibrant activity calendar, from educational classes to games and local outings.