As you become older, changes occur in your skin. But there are methods that you can adopt to take care of your skin and make it feel better.
Dry skin is usual in elderly persons. According to research done on older individuals, more than half of them experienced concerns related to dry skin. Men and those sedentary were more likely to suffer from dry skin.
Your skin is made up of many different kinds of cells and complicated structures. The epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue are the three distinct layers of the skin.
By the time you reach the age of 80, the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin, may have lost as much as half of its thickness. This influences how much water it’s able to hold. Here you will get some tips on treating dry skin as you age.
Cause of Dry Skin with Age
As we age, our skin:
- Produces less natural oil
- Is more susceptible to UV damage
- Has a slower rate of cell regeneration?
These factors may all contribute to dry, rough skin. Loss of hormones may also contribute to dry skin. The skin doesn’t generate as much natural moisturizing material as it used to, and the top layers of skin become dry. The skin ages and loses its elasticity.
How to Treat Dry Skin as You Age?
There are specific ways through which it is possible to treat dry skin. Here are some valuable ways you can try.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
It is essential to hydrate the skin very effectively to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A wide variety of products may help skin retain moisture and maintain its suppleness. You can use various products such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, aloe vera, and glycerin.
After bathing, wait two or three minutes before applying the lotion, cream, or ointment. This will provide the most outstanding possible outcomes. Apply the moisturizer in a smooth, even layer after using a towel to pat rather than rub your skin dry.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), moisturizers often include compounds designed to help your skin hold onto water. These chemicals include urea, alpha-hydroxy acids, lactic acid, and ammonium lactate. There are several of them that might provoke irritation. If you already have skin problems, you should consult a Skin Specialist before purchasing any lotions that include these substances.
Healthy Oils and Antioxidants
To restore the natural oils that protect your skin, your diet should include sufficient amounts of critical fatty acids such as omega-3s and omega-6s. Walnut and flax oils, olives, mackerel, canola, and salmon are all excellent choices. These essential fatty acids promote the development of smoother skin and may assist in the removal of blemishes.
Antioxidants are essential for healthy skin because they reduce the rate at which free radicals damage your body and may even stop the damage from occurring entirely. Damage caused by free radicals is one cause of the aging process, which manifests itself in the form of wrinkles and dry skin.
Be Careful While Washing
If you want to prevent dry skin, you should avoid taking long, hot showers as soon as possible.
Showers that are too hot may strip your skin of its natural oil barrier, while showers that are not as hot and are shorter might be beneficial. Your body can hold onto more moisture necessary for your skin to remain supple and radiant.
Cleanse your skin regularly using fragrance and soap-free cleansers to preserve the protective oil barrier that it naturally produces. Only apply lather to areas that need washing, such as the armpits, groin, face, and rear of the body. A simple water wash is all you usually need for the remainder of your body.
Be cautious when using exfoliants since they can aggravate dry skin. Even though they may assist in removing dead skin cells, exfoliants should only be used in moderation if your skin is dry and during the winter months.
Vitamin A
vitamin A cream is crucial for helping to maintain skin appearing as healthy as possible. This is because wrinkles and pigmentation may be avoided with lotions enriched with vitamin A. Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinoids, are the single most crucial nutrient to keep one’s skin healthy and supple. Retinoids, which have a chemical relationship to vitamin A, slow down collagen degradation. Collagen is a fibrous protein that, together with elastin, plays an essential role in maintaining the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and youthful appearance.
You can use topical retinoids to get a brighter, healthier glow. You can purchase it without a prescription or over the counter. Adding a topical retinoid is a fantastic way to correct some sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Use Sunscreen
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), UV damage is the primary factor in the development of unattractive changes in the skin. The sun’s rays can be as influential in the winter as in the summer. The damage caused by UVA and UVB rays not only accelerates the skin’s natural aging process but also increases the risk of developing spider veins, age spots, wrinkles, and melanomas.
Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 every day to keep your skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays. The best sunscreen to use is one that offers protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. Make sure to reapply large amounts of sunscreen at least once every two hours while outdoors, and even more often if you’re getting in and out of the water or sweating a lot.
If your skin is dehydrated and nothing is working to make it better, you should not ignore it. Consulting a Dermatologist should be your first concern in such a situation. If you ignore your situation just because you are too lazy to find a good skin specialist, then it is no longer a problem. The easiest way to find and book an appointment with the Best Skin Specialist is to visit Marham.
FAQs
1. What is the quickest technique to rehydrate your skin’s moisture?
If you have dry skin, applying a moisturizer should be the first step in your regimen. You can use various products such as petroleum jelly to keep your skin moisturized.
2. What is the best vitamin for dry skin?
Vitamin A, D, fish oil, collagen, and vitamin C are good for increasing skin hydration and help maintain healthy and nourished skin, according to experts.
