As we age, the outer layer of our skin begins to thin, and wrinkles and sagging become more prominent. Age spots appear in areas that have had a lot of sun exposure, and because our sebaceous glands produce less oil, our skin can become dehydrated. You may also notice that fair skin becomes paler, and sometimes even has a translucent look to it. This is because pigment-producing cells decrease as you age.
As a result of all these changes, senior skin has different needs to younger skin. The good news is that with the right products, food, and lifestyle choices, you can enjoy healthy skin no matter what your age!
Products
Invest in skin and body products that contain extra hydrating properties and as many natural ingredients as possible – skin becomes more sensitive with age, so it’s best to avoid any harsh chemicals.
Moisturise your body at least once a day with a rich cream like Oh So Heavenly Extended Moisture Nourishing Body Cream, and for intense nourishment, add some Clicks Vitamin E Tissue Oil to your routine.
For facial skincare, stick to a range of products that specifically target mature and elderly skin. We love the L’Oréal Paris Age Re-Perfect Pro-Calcium products. Anti-sagging and extremely hydrating, they’re great for mature skin.
When bathing, use mild, pH-balanced soaps to cleanse your skin. The gentle and non-irritating formula of Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Lotion is a good choice.
Follow a healthy diet
It’s important to follow a diet that’s rich in antioxidants – these help to destroy the free radicals that break down collagen and cause skin to age faster. Antioxidant-rich foods include strawberries and raspberries, oranges, apples, plums, red peppers and red kidney beans.
Dry skin can benefit tremendously from foods that contain essential fatty acids, such as salmon, avocado and olive oil. Make an effort to include these foods in your diet on a regular basis.
Remember to drink lots of water throughout the day, not only will it help prevent and improve dehydration, but it’s known to flush out toxins and give you a more radiant complexion too.
Lifestyle factors
Always use warm water instead of hot water when you shower or bathe – not only can hot water scald the skin, but it's one of the major causes of dehydration. And no matter what the weather outside, never neglect to apply sunscreen. The sun’s harmful UVA rays cause ageing all year round. The higher the SPF, the better! We love the Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF50+ for all-day protection.