As skin ages, it becomes thinner, less elastic, and more fragile. The layer of fatty tissue below the skin also diminishes.Aging skin has a weaker barrier and a decreased ability to retain water, which ultimately leads to dry or damaged skin. Fear not! There are many tips and tricks to minimize these changes and protect your skin.
How to care for your (aging) skin:
A sensitive skin care routine is paramount. It can help alleviate dry, irritated skin, and symptoms such as itching, burning and a “crawling” sensation.
Start with a gentle, non-soap body cleanser followed by a “fragrance-free” moisturizer. Avoid “unscented” moisturizers as they often contain chemicals to minimize the product’s inherent fragrance.
Use non-soap cleansers on the face and in body folds (i.e. arm pits, under breasts, under abdomen, and groin). The rest of your skin does not need daily cleansing as it can strip the skin’s natural oils. Avoid traditional soaps as they alter the skin’s natural acidity and lead to dryness and irritation.
Bathe only once per day. Use tepid water and limit bathing to less than 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid bath oils as they can lead to a slippery shower or bathtub and increase your risk of a fall.
Moisturizer should be applied to the entire body surface after bathing.
Harsh, rough fabrics, such as wool, may lead to skin irritation. Try to avoid these textiles.
Use a humidifier in the winter to add moisture to a room.
Sun exposure has an enormous impact on skin aging! It also increases the risk of skin cancer. However, modest sun exposure and its associated physical activity have a positive impact on health.
Limit time spent in the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Do not be fooled by cloudy skies as much of the sun’s harmful rays penetrate through the clouds. Moreover, the sun is amplified by the water and snow, so sunburn is more likely when skin is exposed in these environments.
Use sunscreen, broad spectrum SPF 30 or greater, on exposed skin. Many face moisturizers contain adequate sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours.
Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays.
What to look for in skin care products:
– Purchase basic skincare products that are priced $20 or less and can last for a month.
– Often, cost has little to no relationship to effectiveness. A wrinkle cream that is more costly may not be more effective than a less costly product. The extra cost is often related to an expensive marketing campaign or alluring packaging.
– Trendy creams that promise instant results are often unrealistic. These products typically contain retinoids, which can cause skin dryness and irritation. Retinoids help relieve fine lines and wrinkles as well as skin color and quality, but they do not reverse the deeper wrinkles.
Smoking and stress can have a major impact on your skin and overall health. Quitting can help improve the skin and your health in general. Additionally, eating foods such as colorful fruits and vegetables – rich in antioxidants – can also benefit your skin.
A dermatologist can help with issues associated with skin aging, ranging from a skin care regimen to wrinkles and sagging, to skin cancer. Consult a board-certified dermatologist with any concerns for an evaluation.
Dr. Michael Romano is board certified in dermatology. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and completed his dermatology residency at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident. Dr. Romano serves as a clinical instructor for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Dermatology. He practices at CareMount Medical’s Yorktown office and has privileges at Northern Westchester Hospital. Learn more at CareMountMedical.com
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25 Jul 2020
0 Commentscaring for your skin
As skin ages, it becomes thinner, less elastic, and more fragile. The layer of fatty tissue below the skin also diminishes.Aging skin has a weaker barrier and a decreased ability to retain water, which ultimately leads to dry or damaged skin. Fear not! There are many tips and tricks to minimize these changes and protect your skin.
How to care for your (aging) skin:
A sensitive skin care routine is paramount. It can help alleviate dry, irritated skin, and symptoms such as itching, burning and a “crawling” sensation.
Start with a gentle, non-soap body cleanser followed by a “fragrance-free” moisturizer. Avoid “unscented” moisturizers as they often contain chemicals to minimize the product’s inherent fragrance.
Use non-soap cleansers on the face and in body folds (i.e. arm pits, under breasts, under abdomen, and groin). The rest of your skin does not need daily cleansing as it can strip the skin’s natural oils. Avoid traditional soaps as they alter the skin’s natural acidity and lead to dryness and irritation.
Bathe only once per day. Use tepid water and limit bathing to less than 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid bath oils as they can lead to a slippery shower or bathtub and increase your risk of a fall.
Moisturizer should be applied to the entire body surface after bathing.
Harsh, rough fabrics, such as wool, may lead to skin irritation. Try to avoid these textiles.
Use a humidifier in the winter to add moisture to a room.
Sun exposure has an enormous impact on skin aging! It also increases the risk of skin cancer. However, modest sun exposure and its associated physical activity have a positive impact on health.
Limit time spent in the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Do not be fooled by cloudy skies as much of the sun’s harmful rays penetrate through the clouds. Moreover, the sun is amplified by the water and snow, so sunburn is more likely when skin is exposed in these environments.
Use sunscreen, broad spectrum SPF 30 or greater, on exposed skin. Many face moisturizers contain adequate sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours.
Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s rays.
What to look for in skin care products:
– Purchase basic skincare products that are priced $20 or less and can last for a month.
– Often, cost has little to no relationship to effectiveness. A wrinkle cream that is more costly may not be more effective than a less costly product. The extra cost is often related to an expensive marketing campaign or alluring packaging.
– Trendy creams that promise instant results are often unrealistic. These products typically contain retinoids, which can cause skin dryness and irritation. Retinoids help relieve fine lines and wrinkles as well as skin color and quality, but they do not reverse the deeper wrinkles.
Smoking and stress can have a major impact on your skin and overall health. Quitting can help improve the skin and your health in general. Additionally, eating foods such as colorful fruits and vegetables – rich in antioxidants – can also benefit your skin.
A dermatologist can help with issues associated with skin aging, ranging from a skin care regimen to wrinkles and sagging, to skin cancer. Consult a board-certified dermatologist with any concerns for an evaluation.