Your skin is your biggest organ, and it’s the only one you can’t live without. So it’s important to take care of it. But what does that mean? It means protecting your skin from the sun! As we all know, blocking the UV rays of the sun is critical for slowing down the aging process. Sure you’re mindful of applying (and reapplying) sunscreen. But healthy skin requires more. We asked a few experts for 3 quick senior skin care tips.
3 Senior Skin Tips
1. Block UV rays
“As we all know, blocking the UV rays of the sun is critical for slowing down the [skin’s] aging process,” says Chris Thiagarajah, an oculoplastic surgeon in Denver. “Ninety percent of aging comes from sun damage.” According to the National Institute on Aging, “Try to avoid being in the sun during peak times when the sun’s rays are strongest.” Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies; the sun can still poke through. And remember that you can also get burned while in pools, lakes, or the ocean, so slather up!
2. Deploy Antioxidants
Antioxidants help diminish free radical damage in the skin from daily UV exposure, says Tsippora Shainhouse, a Beverly Hills dermatologist and clinical instructor at USC. “Used in the morning, antioxidants can prevent DNA damage by preventing oxidation during exposure,” she says. “And when used at night, they help repair potential damage from the day.”
Pro Tip: “Apply an antioxidant serum under your daily sunscreen – or use a sunscreen with antioxidants – as your next layer of skin protection against any UV rays that get past the sunscreen barrier,” Shainhouse suggests.
3. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliate Regularly. Exfoliating once or twice a week will help remove dead cells and make way for new ones to grow in their place—which is crucial if you want younger-looking skin! Experts at the Skin Cancer Foundation remind us that UV light can lead to skin cancer and precancers, such as actinic keratoses. In addition to using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, the organization advises exfoliating: “Loofahs, scrubs, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) cleansers, and home microdermabrasion kits (in which tiny crystals are sprayed on the skin) can remove dead skin cells, leaving skin looking smoother.”
Proper care for aging skin starts with common sense and requires just a few simple tools. Take good care this summer.
Learn more about summer health tips for seniors.
Don’t disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of what you read here. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis or treatment; it is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have specific questions about any medical matter, and seek professional attention immediately if you think you or someone in your care may be suffering from a healthcare condition.
