Skin Care Tips for Older Adults

There’s one in every crowd: someone whose skin doesn’t seem to suffer the effects of time quite the same way everyone else’s does. There may be a few fine lines here and there, but for the most part their skin seems healthy, glowing, and flawless. Especially considering their age.

So, what’s the secret to healthy skin for older adults?

First, it’s important to understand that genetics do play a certain role. But even given the most cooperative set of genes in the world, we can still end up with skin problems as we age simply by not following a good skin care regimen.

To get you on the right track in that department, here are our best skin care tips for older adults.

Healthy Skin Tips for Older Adults

It’s never too late to aim for healthy skin at any age. These ideas can help you keep your skin glowing.

1. Always be Moisturizing

   You probably don’t need a federal agency to tell you this, but according to the National Institute on Aging, dry skin is common in older adults. While there may be several reasons for this, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or medicines, one primary cause is not consuming enough liquids. Buy bottled water or treat yourself to a fancy new water bottle. Unless your physician has restricted your fluid intake, make every effort to drink water all day long. If you aren’t sure how much you should be drinking each day, ask your doctor for advice.

   In addition, the NIA recommends using an ample amount of lotion. Find an unscented moisturizer or one whose scent is pleasing to you, and stock up. You should apply it every morning and every night before going to bed.

2. If You Haven’t Already, Stop Smoking

   Most of us know that smoking is bad in so many ways. It contributes to health conditions ranging from heart disease to stroke and lung cancer. But many people aren’t aware it can also cause your skin to age prematurely, says WebMD. If you are a smoker, talk with your physician for advice on smoking cessation programs. Some might even be covered by your health insurance.

3. Mind the Sun

   Here’s where you should be taking a ‘never too late’ attitude. Just like with smoking, being proactive in this area can have positive effects on the skin health of older adults. There are three ways to mind the sun:

   1. Don’t stay out too long during peak sun hours
   2. Wear sunscreen and a hat the shields your face
   3. Perform regular self-screenings for skin cancer

   Minding the sun is especially important for older adults who take medication since many drugs can make you more sensitive to the sun.

   Women tend to be better about self-screening for cancer than men. In fact, a recent study revealed the unsettling discovery that older men were more likely than any other group to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma by a dermatologist.

   Younger men and women, as well as older women, are less at risk for melanoma because diagnosis happens at earlier stages. Researchers have concluded from this data that older men need to start performing their own skin cancer checks.

4. Go Easy on the Long, Hot Baths

   Sorry, bath lovers. We know baths are relaxing. But while your mind and muscles benefit from the hot water, your skin may be slowly drying out. One way to combat this is to put oil in your bath water.

   Once your soak is over with, cycle back and return to Tip #1 (moisturize). You can still enjoy your baths, but taking these precautions should help your skin say hydrated.

   Want to learn more about taking care of your skin and other health topics important to older adults? Our blog is chock full of helpful advice like this. Please visit and come back often!