Caring For Your Skin as You Get Older

By Mercyhealth

As we age, our skin becomes weaker, drier, and loses some of its protective fat layers. This can prolong the healing process from cuts, bruises and sun damage. This can happen for many reasons, including that the skin is thinner and loses water more easily. Medications and medical conditions can also play a role in this. The right skin care can improve how your skin feels and looks. A few simple steps in your daily regimen will help you look and feel your best.  

• Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Doing so will help soothe dry skin. Look for moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

• Use warm water not hot water. Hot water can strip the natural oils from the skin, which can increase your skin’s dryness.

• Gently pat your skin dry after washing.

• Apply a creamy, fragrance-free moisturizer formulated for a dry skin after bathing. Niacinamide works to help hydrate, calm and soothe your skin.

With any skin regimen it’s important to protect your skin from the sun. Sun protection offers many benefits for mature skin. It also reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. Seek shade outdoors when UV rays are strongest (10 am-2 pm), wear protective clothing/hats, and apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day. Remember to check expiration dates on any sunscreen you have at home. Lastly, see your doctor or dermatologist for a complete skin examination every year. To make an appointment with a Mercyhealth dermatology provider, call (888) 396-3729.