Elderly Skin Care: Helpful Tips and Safer Exfoliation Methods
Skin disorders are a common occurrence among aging adults. More than 90% of them have some kind of skin disorder caused by diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other conditions, according to MedlinePlus.
The key to maintaining your skin's appearance and suppleness is through mature skin solutions. It isn't enough to just follow youthful skin tips if they don't address the actual health of your skin. Exfoliation is one of the many steps to follow, but you need to make sure you're doing it safely.
Here are some of the best skin care products for aging skin and why they matter.
Key Characteristics of Aging Skin
Aging skin is characterized by a few different traits:
- Dryness
- Thinning
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Age spots
- Loss of elasticity
As we get older, our body becomes less efficient at keeping our skin moisturized. Reduced oil production leads to dry, flaky skin, which can cause itching and discomfort.
Thinner skin is more fragile and prone to bruising and tearing. Collagen loss will lead to the formation of wrinkles, especially in areas exposed to the sun.
Age spots result from years of sun exposure. Skin begins to sag as you get older because of a loss of elastin.
Access to a spa or sauna can help, which some senior communities will have in their area.
Tips for Effective Skin Care Routines
Before exploring safer exfoliation methods, it's important to know what an anti-aging skincare routine looks like. Following all of these steps can do wonders in promoting good skin health and helping you look your best.
Gentle Cleansing
First thing in the morning, clean your face. Use a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils. The same applies to any body wash you use in the shower or bath.
Avoid heavy sulfates if you can. Look for cleansers with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or ceramides.
Antioxidant Serum
A serum containing ingredients like vitamin C, green tea extract, or niacinamide can protect your skin from environmental damage. Vitamin C will also brighten your skin and reduce pigmentation.
Hydration
A moisturizer or lotion will help to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin's barrier. Those with drier or more sensitive skin may want to choose a cream-based moisturizer.
Always apply it soon after you bathe or wash your face so you keep as much moisture as possible.
Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen daily, even if you plan on spending most of your day indoors. Choose something with at least SPF 30, and make sure to reapply it every two hours if you're outside.
Nightly Exfoliation
Exfoliate one to two times a week at night, ideally with something gentle. Avoid harsh scrubs or strong exfoliants.
Try not to buy body wash with exfoliants in it. They may prove too rough for your skin and can actually dry you out faster.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Seniors can opt for an anti-aging treatment to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Two examples include a gentle retinol product or a peptide-based treatment.
Vitamin A and other supplements can also support your well-being and improve your skin's health.
Best Skin Care Products for Aging Skin
The best exfoliation products will depend on the current state of a person's skin and their lifestyle. As a senior, it's important to stay cautious when exfoliating. Doing it too often with the wrong products can lead to irritation and pain.
Gentle Chemical Exfoliants
The first option for exfoliation is a gentle chemical exfoliant. These use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to gently dissolve dead skin cells. There's no abrasion involved, which means it's easier on the skin.
In addition, these acids promote hydration and can help smooth out fine lines. Use a product with a lower concentration to avoid irritation, and limit your use to once or twice a week at first.
Enzyme-Based Exfoliants
An enzyme exfoliant is derived from natural ingredients like papaya or pineapple. These provide a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation that breaks down the proteins in dead skin cells.
Natural exfoliants are ideal for sensitive skin because while they work similarly to chemical exfoliants, they're much less irritating. Make sure to look at the ingredients on a store-bought exfoliant, as some companies will mix in chemicals with natural ingredients.
You can also make your own blend of natural ingredients by using recipes online. However, the efficacy of these blends can vary.
Manual Exfoliation
Manual exfoliation refers to using a tool of some kind to rub off dead skin. Most people know of items such as a natural pumice stone that they might use on foot callouses. However, the same kind of item would prove much too rough to use anywhere else on your body.
Instead, use a soft muslin cloth or a silicone cleansing brush. These tools can help slough away dead skin without causing damage to healthy skin. Use light pressure and avoid scrubbing too hard for too long.
Natural Skin Care Products
DIY exfoliation methods can work with the right ingredients. You'll want to prioritize ingredients such as the following:
- Oatmeal
- Honey
- Salt
- Charcoal
The condition of your skin will determine which ones you'll want to use. For example, mixing oatmeal with honey creates a gentle, hydrating scrub. It softly exfoliates without stripping the skin of moisture.
A salt scrub is a good option if you want to detoxify your skin, improve circulation, and make your skin look firmer and younger. The only problem with them is that they're harsher than something like a sugar scrub. It can also leave your skin feeling dry if you use the wrong salt.
Help Your Skin Feel Youthful and Strong
The best skin care products for aging skin is anything gentle, hydrating, and natural. Too many chemicals interacting with your skin can prove too drying or irritating. More natural ingredients tend to work just as well with fewer side effects.
Worthington Place is an assisted living community located in Camby, IN. Our residents have access to a wide variety of amenities and activities, including exercise classes, pet therapy, karaoke, church services, and more. Contact us today with any questions and to set up a tour.