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How to care for aging skin

Getting older can affect the health and appearance of your skin, causing issues like dryness, discomfort and age spots. Fortunately, there are things you can do to cope with these changes and help your skin look and feel its best. Scroll on to discover a few helpful tips.

UPDATE YOUR BATHING ROUTINE

Dry skin becomes more common with age. Taking frequent and long, hot showers or baths can make this worse. If you often get dry skin, try bathing less often and for a shorter amount of time. Use warm rather than hot water. Consider applying a moisturizer right after bathing.

WEAR GLOVES WHEN YOU WORK AROUND THE HOUSE

With age, skin can become thin and susceptible to cuts and scrapes. Wearing gloves helps protect against these injuries. Gloves can also help protect your hands from the sun and any chemicals you may use in your home or garden.

CONSIDER A HUMIDIFIER TO DEAL WITH DRY, INDOOR AIR

The air in a home can feel especially dry at certain times of the year, such as during the winter heating season. This can worsen dry skin. A humidifier may help. Try to keep the indoor humidity level between 45% and 60%. You can buy a device called a hydrometer to check this yourself.

PRACTICE SUN SAFETY

Avoiding excess ultraviolet (UV) exposure may help protect you from premature skin aging—as well as skin cancer. Seeking shade, covering your skin and wearing sunscreen are all good sun safety strategies.

Learn more about how to practice sun safety.

CHOOSE FRAGRANCE-FREE SKIN PRODUCTS

Skin products that contain fragrances can irritate dry, itchy skin. If this is a problem for you, look for products labeled "fragrance-free." Be aware that "unscented" products might irritate your skin too. This is because they may contain chemicals that mask the smell of other ingredients.

ADDRESS YOUR STRESS

Chronic stress may contribute to dry, itchy skin, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Finding ways to relax—like taking deep breaths when you notice tension building in your body—is one way to handle stress. Learn more about the impacts of stress on your health.

IF YOU SMOKE, QUIT

Smoking may age your skin by as much as 30 years. How? Tobacco smoke may break down elastic fibers in skin, narrow nourishing blood vessels and expose the skin to free radicals that damage cells.

HAVE A DOCTOR LOOK AT SUSPICIOUS AREAS

Check your skin regularly for changes that might be signs of skin cancer. If you notice something that concerns you—such as a new or changing mole or growth—let your doctor know. Learn the possible signs of melanoma skin cancer.

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