Skin Care for Seniors

The number one outward sign of aging occurs with our skin and hair.  We are plagued by all kinds of skin conditions, and while some problems can be serious, most are merely uncomfortable or irritating.  The good news is that we can do something to take care of or improve on most of them. 

Our skin evolves over time becoming paler and more translucent as it thins with age.  It loses the fat or plumpness in the under layer of the skin resulting in loss of insulation and padding, making us more susceptible to injury and cold.  The loss of firmness and elasticity to the skin causes it to look weathered and is attributed to our years of sun exposure.  Bruising is more common as the blood vessels have become delicate and easily damaged.  Our sebaceous glands are not as active as when we were younger, setting up the environment for dry, irritated skin.  

Ultraviolet light from the sun probably does the most damage to our skin and is responsible for wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and cancer.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends doing a self-exam skin check on a regular basis.  During your skin check, you should look for changes in your skin and pay close attention to moles, sores that are not healing, and any new growth.  Use the following ABCDE’s of skin cancer detection when doing your check:

A = Asymmetry -one half of the growth looks different from the other half

B = Borders –edges that are uneven or irregular 

C = Color-any changes you detect in the color or have more than one color

D = Diameter –anything that is larger than the size of a pencil eraser

E = Evolving -noticeable changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color

(See your doctor if you notice any of these signs)

Our skin can be helped by a number of things.  Avoid sun tanning, and if in the sun, wear broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing.  Make sure you drink enough liquids as dehydration can cause serious health problems as well as dry skin.  Stop smoking both for your overall health and your skin’s health.  Do not use water that is extremely hot when showering and switch to a milder, more natural soap.  You should even reduce how much soap you use.  You will still be clean!

This post is intended for informational purposes only.  Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health.

At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting.  We invite you to schedule a visit to see our model suites and learn more about assisted living in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills area.      

Sources: nia.nih.gov/health/publication/skin-care-and-aging,  aad.org/