Aging is one of the most natural things in the world. And while getting older means you’re (maybe) a little wiser and more experienced, it also results in noticeable skin changes, as much as you might wish otherwise. These changes are a normal part of the aging process, but they also mean that your skincare routines may need to adapt to meet new needs.
At The Village Retirement Group, we believe aging is a privilege and that every line, scar, and wrinkle is a testament to a life well lived. However, we do understand how important it is for many retirees that their skin maintains a youthful complexion. That’s why we’ve compiled the top tricks for taking care of aging skin so that you can maintain your skin’s natural beauty and feel confident and comfortable in doing so.
Understanding Elderly Skin
Understanding why and how your skin changes as you age is important as it helps identify ways to take better care of your skin in your golden years. Your body goes through so many changes as you age, and your skin is no exception. In fact, it’s commonly one of the first places where signs of aging become apparent. As we age, you might notice the following changes:
- Wrinkles & fine lines
- Sunspots & freckles
- Increased dryness & roughness
- Irritation & itchiness
- Pigmentation such as age spots or an uneven skin tone
Although all of these things are mainly due to the natural process of aging, factors such as increased sun exposure and lifestyle choices can also influence how your skin ages. You can control these external factors to help manage their impact on your skin. We’ll dive into our practical tips for taking care of aging skin below.
Top Tips for Taking Care of Mature & Aging Skin
Taking care of aging skin doesn’t require making drastic changes to your lifestyle or skincare routine but rather a few simple, practical adjustments to accommodate its evolving needs. We focus on gentle yet effective strategies that respect the natural aging process while offering support for common concerns associated with older skin.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
One of the most important aspects of caring for aging and mature skin is ensuring it stays well-hydrated. As you age, skin loses its natural ability to retain moisture, which can lead to increased dryness, flakiness, and general discomfort. To avoid this, we recommend creating an environment for your skin that helps keep it nourished and well-hydrated.
The first step is changing your skincare. The best skincare for elderly and mature skin are those that have been formulated for dry skin. Specifically, we recommend using a gentle fragrance-free cleanser and body wash when you shower. In addition, applying a mild, nourishing moisturiser after bathing—and whenever your skin feels dry—will help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
Change Up Your Bathing Routine
Excessively hot water can strip the skin of essential oils and leave it feeling tight and uncomfortable, not to mention making it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. To avoid these issues, we recommend adjusting your bathing routine; this includes:
- Switching to lukewarm water when you shower or bathe. Lukewarm water is much gentler on the skin and helps to preserve the skin’s natural oils.
- Taking fewer showers/baths. We don’t mean not showering at all—instead, consider reducing your showers to once a day or once every other day.
- Keeping showers/baths relatively short. Aim for shorter showers to minimise your skin’s exposure to hot water. This approach can help improve your skin’s hydration levels by preventing the loss of natural oils.
Prioritise Sun Safety *
While the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, it is also one of the leading causes of long-term skin damage, particularly here in Queensland, where the UV Index is consistently above three, even in winter.
The Cancer Council states that when the UV Index is forecasted to reach three or above, there is an increased risk of skin damage if you are exposed for 10 minutes or longer without protection. Excessive exposure to UV radiation in this way can accelerate the appearance of various visible signs of aging, such as age spots, wrinkles, and pigmentation. It can even play a role in the development of some skin cancers.
However, don’t fret; there are some simple steps you can follow today to increase your sun safety. The habits we recommend if you’re looking at taking better care of your aging skin include:
- Avoiding unnecessary exposure to the sun. Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Seeking shade when you go outdoors. When outside, especially on days with a high UV rating, seek shade whenever possible—this includes on cloudy days as the sun’s rays can still peek through the clouds!
- Protecting yourself from the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection when outside.
- Attending regular skin cancer checks. Early detection is key when it comes to treating skin cancer. We recommend scheduling annual skin checks to catch any nasty spots early on.
Supporting Healthy & Active Aging at The Village
No matter how many anti-aging products or treatments you invest in, true skin health and inner vitality are really all about embracing and consistently practising a healthy, active, and sun-safe lifestyle. This belief is at the heart of everything we do at The Village Retirement Group, which is why we adopt a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Here, we offer a range of wellness programs and activities within every one of our retirement villages and provide residents with access to premium, personalised healthcare when they need it most. Enquire today to see how you or your loved ones can benefit from transitioning into a vibrant, supportive retirement community where the health and happiness of our residents are our top priorities.
Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and should not replace personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional. We encourage you to consult a healthcare expert for tailored recommendations and address specific skincare or health concerns.
