It’s no secret that there are changes associated with the skin as we grow older. Lifestyle and environment are two of the most important factors involved with damage to our skin. The good news is that these are factors that can be controlled. Hereditary considerations play a small part in the way our skin ages as well, but we obviously don’t have any control over this component of how our skin reacts to the aging process.
AGE-RELATED SKIN CHANGES
As individuals age, the skin becomes thinner and loses fat. This results in a natural loss of smoothness and plumpness. Veins and bones that lay beneath the skin tend to become more prominent. Older individuals sweat less. Sebaceous glands produce less oil as we age also. This body change usually occurs after age 80 for men and begins following menopause for women. The loss of these natural oils can lead to dry and itchy skin. The skin also tends to take longer to heal. Wound healing can take up to four times longer in the skin of older individuals. Aging skin tends to loose its elasticity and general strength which can lead to loose or sagging skin.
KEEPING SKIN HEALTHY
As mentioned earlier, lifestyle and environment are the two factors that contribute most to skin damage. Avoiding exposure to the sun is key to protecting the skin. Prevent sunburn if at all possible. This means avoiding the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are the strongest. These UV rays are still present even when skies are cloudy. Use a good-quality sunscreen when outdoors. Purchase a sunscreen with an SPF number of 15 or higher and that are water-resistant. Water-resistant formulas stay on the skin longer. UV rays also penetrate through water so even if you’re feeling cool while swimming, your skin still needs protection.
Protective clothing and accessories are also important when planning to spend time in the sun. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight loose fitting long sleeves or long pants can offer protection from harmful UV rays. Definitely avoid artificial tanning with tanning beds and sunlamps.
Good nutrition and adequate fluids are important tips for perfect skin. Dehydration increases the risk of injury to the skin. Keep skin moist with lotions and moisturizers. Avoid soaps that are heavily perfumed. These products may contribute to dry skin. Humidifiers can add moisture to the air. Bathing less often and avoiding hot baths and showers can help decrease dry skin. Stay away from bath oils because they could lead to slips or falls.
SENIOR SKIN DISORDERS
It’s vital that seniors check their skin regularly and to use skin care. Changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of moles, spots, or birthmarks should be assessed by your doctor. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United Stated. It’s estimated that 40 to 50 percent of Americans will develop skin cancer at least once by the time they are 65 years-old. Early intervention is essential for treatment of this disease. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that older, fair-skinned people have a yearly skin check by a doctor as part of a regular physical exam.
Shingles is an outbreak of pain-causing blisters that appear on the skin as a result of the varicella-zoster virus which is the virus responsible for chickenpox. Following an outbreak of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissue. The virus can reappear years later in the form of shingles. This skin is most common in people over the age of 50. Older individuals with a weak immune system or those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments are at an increased risk for a shingles outbreak. Consult your primary care physician immediately if you are experiencing a rash or blisters so treatment with antiviral drugs can be initiated.
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