As we grow older, our skin tends to become dry and irritated, a common occurrence in our 60s and 70s. This could be attributed to the thinning of the skin and its increased water loss. Factors such as medication and underlying health issues may also play a role. Nevertheless, by nurturing your skin, you can enhance its texture and appearance. Making lifestyle adjustments and taking a proactive approach to skin protection as you age are simple yet effective ways to achieve this.
Lifestyle Changes in Your 60s and 70s
It is normal for the skin to become thinner and dryer past the age of 60. To help keep your skin moisturized and in good health at this age, you can make some simple lifestyle changes that promote skin health:
Bathe to help with dry skin
Proper bathing can help relieve dry or itchy skin before it becomes a major issue. Here are some things to do while bathing to help your skin:
Use a fragrance-free, moisturizing bar soap, cleanser, or body wash
This will help alleviate dry skin as it has moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, lanolin, and hyaluronic acid.
Use warm instead of hot water
Using hot water will increase skin dryness.
Use a soft cloth
A puff or bath brush can irritate your skin.
Keep your shower short
If you bathe, make sure it is short (about 5-10 minutes).
Make sure to pat your skin gently after bathing so some water stays on your skin
It helps to keep some moisture on your skin and apply a moisturizer right away.
Always use a fragrance-free moisturizer meant for dry skin and use it within 3 minutes of bathing and during the day
Moisturizing helps ease the dryness and restore your skin’s protective barrier. When your skin feels very dry, dermatologists recommend using an ointment instead of a cream. An ointment does a better job of holding water in your skin than a cream.
Do not use bath oil
Avoid using bath oil as it is not necessary if you already use moisturizer on your skin. It can also make the bathtub slipper and increase the risk of falls.
Use a humidifier if the air feels dry
Usually, heating and air conditioning will take away humidity from the air which can make your skin dry and itchy. This is why it is important to use a humidifier to help add moisture into the air. Keep the humidity in the air between 45% and 60% to reduce dry, itchy skin.
Skin Changes in the 60s and 70s
All individuals have a unique aging experience, but as they reach their 60s and 70s, skin changes become more apparent. You may observe your skin becoming drier, thinner, itchier, blotchier, wrinklie, more irritable, and prone to bruising. These changes are common as we age and require special care and attention to maintain skin health.
Here are some things older adults can do to help care for their skin:
Protect your skin while doing housework and gardening
This will help protect yourself from sunlight, chemicals, and other skin irritants as well as avoid the risk of injuring your skin.
Always protect your skin from the sun
If you notice that you have more wrinkles, age spots, bruises, and blotches, it is a sign that you need to protect your skin. This will help reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Here are some things you can do to protect your skin from the sun:
Look for shade when outdoors
Always remember that the sun outdoors is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so make sure to seek shade between those times.
Wear proper clothing that will protect your skin from the sun
Make sure to wear a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and proper sunglasses with UV protection whenever possible. If you would like more effective protection, select clothing with UV protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
Use a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Always make sure to apply this to all skin that clothing does not cover while you are outside.
Use fragrance-free products
Fragrance can irritate your skin. Fragrance-free products can heal dry, itchy skin and prevent it from coming back. Look for products that are marked as “fragrance free.”
Have a simple skin routine
Try not to over-exfoliate or over-apply products. All you need is an appropriate sunscreen, a cleanser, and a moisturizer.
Check your skin for signs of skin cancer
Around the age of 50, the risk of developing skin cancer increases. This risk escalates with advancing years. Early detection and removal often suffice as treatment. However, if left unchecked, the cancer can spread rapidly and pose greater challenges for recovery. Educate yourself on recognizing skin cancer symptoms. Watch for unusual spots and promptly consult a dermatologist if they change, itch, or bleed. If a concerning spot is noticed, treatment options like medications or surgery are available.
Eat and drink well
Eating balanced, healthy meals is great for the skin. It is especially important to consume flax seeds and walnuts that have omega 3 fatty acids that help keep your skin hydrated. Also, seniors should consume vegetables that contain vitamin B, K, C, E, and selenium which will help increase skin softness. Finally, make sure to drink enough water to help with hydrating your skin.
Do not smoke
Smoking can cause skin damage such as wrinkles and other signs of aging. It also damages the skin’s elasticity-giving proteins, collagen, and elastin.
Reduce your stress
A person who is stressed-out is more likely to experience skin issues, flare-ups, itchiness, and other symptoms of dryness. Usually, stress, illness, and lack of sleep affect your skin. It is important to have a method for relaxation such as meditation, regular exercise, and a balanced diet so you can control the stress in the body.
Professional Senior Care
At Assisting Hands Home Care, we offer elder care services in Schaumburg, IL, and the surrounding areas. Our compassionate caregivers will care for your loved one right in their home so they can live safely and keep their independence for as long as possible. Our caregivers are well trained and will help your loved one with all their needs.
To learn more about the full range of elder care services, give us a call at (224) 258-0736.
