In our 60s and 70s, it’s common to experience dryness and irritation in the skin, which can be attributed to various factors such as its thinning and increased water loss. Additionally, medications and medical conditions may contribute to your skin being drier than it has ever before.
However, there’s positive news: implementing some lifestyle changes and skincare practices can enhance both the feel and appearance of your skin.
We recommend the following for our patients over the age of 60:
Bathe with Your Skin in Mind
- Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free, moisturizing bar soap, cleanser, or body wash. Moisturizing ingredients that can help reduce dryness include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and lanolin.
- Use warm (not hot) water and limit your bathe time to 5-10 minutes. This will help reduce the amount of time your skin is exposed to water and the level at which it is enduring stress.
- Use a soft cloth rather than a bath brush or scrubbing spine to cleanse as it will reduce the chance of irritating your skin.
- Pat water gently from your skin after bathing, but leave a bit of water on your skin. Having some water on your skin when you apply moisturizer after your bathe helps hydrate your skin.
- After bathing, promptly apply a fragrance-free moisturizer designed for dry skin, ensuring it’s creamy in texture, and continue moisturizing throughout the day as needed. For intensely dry skin, we advise opting for an ointment over a cream, as ointments are more effective in retaining moisture within the skin.
Protect Your Skin Wherever Possible
- Wear gloves when gardening, cleaning the house, or dishwashing to reduce exposure to drying elements.
- Wear protective clothing when out in the sun for long periods of time. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long breathable pants and tops can help aid in protecting your skin from sunburn.
- Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30+.
Check Your Skin Regularly for Changes
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the risk of developing both skin cancer and pre-cancerous growths escalates after age 50. Early detection is key in effectively treating skin cancer. However, once cancer spreads, treatment becomes more challenging.
Educating yourself on how to conduct a thorough skin examination can significantly aid in the early detection of skin cancer. For guidance on performing a skin self-exam, refer to resources such as our blog on “How to perform a skin self-exam.” If you observe any abnormalities such as changes in appearance, itching, or bleeding in a spot on your skin, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with us for further evaluation and potential treatment.
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Sources for the above information include The American Academy of Dermatology. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
