It is usual for your skin to change as you age; it becomes thinner and loses its youthful glow, and you may develop wrinkles, age spots, and many other skin conditions. Although you can not reverse the aging process altogether, you can ensure healthy and lively skin by taking specific measures and following a good diet plan. Taking good care of your skin is not only associated with youthful skin but also saving your life, as skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States. For old age individuals, maintaining skin health becomes increasingly critical, yet several daily habits can adversely affect the skin’s health and appearance.
Poor Dietary Habits:
A balanced diet is essential for overall health, including healthy skin. One of the most overlooked aspects of skin care in older people is adequate hydration, resulting in skin dryness due to a decrease in the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Not drinking enough water can lead to dryness, dullness, irritation, cracking, and an increased risk of infections. High sugar and fat intake can lead to acne, skin aging, and inflammation. Moreover, a diet deficient in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can worsen skin health and impair its healing mechanism. [1]
Overexposure to the Sun:
Although moderate sun exposure is beneficial, boosting your vitamin D production, overexposure to UV rays can lead to skin burnout and even skin cancer, particularly in elderly individuals. Years of cumulative sun damage can lead to premature aging, age spots, wrinkles, and an increased risk of developing skin cancer. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and more vulnerable to sun damage, necessitating sun protection. Failing to use sunscreen, insufficient application, improper coverage, and going out during peak hours are other contributors to worse skin health. [2]
Too much Exfoliation:
A little exfoliation can be a good thing to eliminate dead cells and clean your skin, but scrubbing too hard or exfoliating too often can damage your body’s protective barrier. Over exfoliation causes inflammation, dryness, irritation, and tiny breaks in the skin, stripping it of its essential oils and natural glow. Over-exfoliating also causes your skin to thicken and look dull and scaly over time. Gentle daily cleaners are recommended to clear away dirt without damaging the skin or removing essential oils.
Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Consumption:
Smoking and its harmful effects on your overall health also lead to premature aging and wrinkles formation. Nicotine reduces blood flow to your skin, and other chemicals in tobacco damage the collagen and elastin proteins that give your skin structure. Alcohol increases inflammation, makes skin dry, and improves wrinkles and bagginess. To keep your skin healthy, you are advised to quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderation. [3]
Neglecting Skin Care:
A proper skincare routine is essential for maintaining a glowing complexion. Neglecting skincare causes several issues, such as dull skin due to dead skin cells on the surface. Regular Exfoliation is necessary to reveal fresh skin and remove dead cells from the skin surface. The accumulation of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells can clog pores and make a breeding surface for bacteria. Neglecting sunscreen can cause sunburn, sun tanning, and skin cancer.
Picking and Scratching:
Picking and scratching your skin compulsively is a mental health condition, dermatillomania (excoriation disorder or skin-picking disorder), causing injuries or scarring on the skin. Picking at pimples, scratching over cuts, and scratches creates new wounds or reopens older ones, possibly leading to scarring and bleeding. [4]
Stress & Lack of Sleep:
The cortisol level rises due to insufficient sleep and stress. This hormone triggers inflammation, which makes your skin more susceptible to allergic reactions and acne, and breaks down the proteins that keep your skin smooth and radiant. Lack of sleep and chronic stress, especially in elders, cause dark circles, damage collagen, and reduce skin elasticity. Blood circulation becomes less efficient due to stress and lack of sleep, making your skin pigmented and greyish. [5]
Neglecting Regular Skin Checkups:
Neglecting your skin’s health can cause discomfort, acne breakouts, rashes, dried or oily skin, and skin cancer. So, scheduling regular checkups with your dermatologist could be life changing for your overall health.
Final Thoughts:
As we age, our skin changes due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors and becomes more sensitive and fragile. Aging skin cannot be reversed, but by avoiding some of the worst steps of skincare neglect, you can get healthy and radiant skin.
At OnSite Dermatology, we understand the unique challenges that seniors face regarding their skin, and we are committed to providing expert care and advice tailored to their unique needs. We offer essential skin cancer screenings, treatments, and professional medical care without needing transportation, making it convenient and accessible for older adults to maintain healthy skin, especially in community centers and retirement homes. For more information or to schedule a consultation, fill in the form below or give us a call on (877) 345-5300.
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