How to care for mature skin

Later in life, our skin can be more prone to dryness and irritation which can occur for a number of different reasons. The good news is that there are a number of easy steps you can take to improve the appearance of your skin as well as how it feels. Here’s a list of solutions you can take to help tackle some common mature skin concerns:

1. Skin concern: dryness

Aging skin can become dry more easily. If your skin is dry it can often feel uncomfortable and look dull. Here’s how to avoid dryness:

• When bathing, use a gentle, fragrance-free, moisturising body wash or soap to soothe the skin instead of drying it out. Look out for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin for max hydration. Making the water cooler can also help to prevent the skin from drying out. If you like hot baths or showers, keep them shorter where possible. 

• Don’t skip moisturiser and apply it while your skin is damp. This is a great way to lock in hydration and keep your skin looking plump and youthful.

• When your skin is dehydrated, try using an ointment or specialist cream to help keep moisture in the skin.

• Use a humidifier in your home. If the air in your home is dry, it can quickly dry out your skin too. A humidifier will reduce dry skin.

2. Skin concern: irritation

If you’re over 60, you may find that your skin is more prone to irritation than it was before. Here’s how to reduce and prevent irritated skin:

• Avoid over-exfoliating and be gentle when washing your skin. Brushing or scrubbing your skin can cause rashes, bruising or redness. Instead, if you do want to exfoliate, opt for gentler, chemical exfoliants instead.

• Protect your skin when cleaning or gardening. When cleaning, harsh chemicals used in housework or in the garden can be very irritating to your skin. Wear gloves when completing these chores to keep your skin protected.

• Buy fragrance-free products. Often brands sneak perfumes into our creams, body washes, and skincare products. Check the label and avoid heavily fragranced products as these have a tendency to irritate the skin. 

3. Skin concern: sun damage

As we age, we may notice more wrinkles, bruises, age spots, or discolouration on our skin. To help tackle these, it’s a good idea to take proper precautions when out in the sun.

• Find a spot in the shade when outside at midday. The best form of sun protection is staying out of it when the sun’s rays are its strongest - between 10am-2pm.

• Wear sun cream and apply it regularly throughout the day - even when it’s cloudy!

• Stay alert and check your skin for signs of skin cancer. As we get older, the risk for skin cancer increases, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the signs and check your skin for them regularly. 
  
  
  

Seek our professional, tailored advice

It’s a great idea to speak to a professional to help you address your skin concerns. They will listen to and work with you to create a treatment plan designed specifically with you in mind. 

Book a skincare consultation with us today.