Aging is a natural process everyone will eventually face. It will change how you look and feel – as you age, your skin will become drier, discolored, and more prone to wrinkles, age spots, and bruises, not to mention health conditions that are more likely to develop in your older years. However, those changes don’t have to be so extensive – and the sooner you’ll start tending to your skin, the less visible signs of your aging will be.
Fortunately, there are several simple yet effective habits and lifestyle changes that will help you look great in your 60s and 70s. Paying due attention to your skin care routine and being consistent with it will allow you to mitigate the signs of aging, keeping your skin healthy. Here is what you’ve got to do:
Quit Smoking
Beauty comes from within – and it’s not just a silly little saying. The negative effects of smoking on one’s overall health are well-documented, and that includes wreaking havoc on your skin. Smoking is a harmful habit that dries your skin out and makes it look dull and lifeless, while also robbing it of its elasticity and increasing the risk of developing wrinkles and skin pigmentation.
In short, if you smoke, you’re more likely to look much older than you actually are. Now imagine how much older you’ll look in your later years if you remain an avid smoker.
Of course, quitting smoking is tough, especially if it’s a life-long habit. While for some, going cold turkey is the only way, others might seek a less drastic approach. In recent years, switching to vaping nicotine-free e-liquids has become a popular method to control one’s nicotine intake, and there are many vaping guides available out there – browse some if you feel like it’s something that might work for you.
Wash Gently and Moisturize Well
As we age, our skin gets thinner and more delicate. This means that it’s more prone to damage, and you need to take extra care of it not to end up with skin irritations. Washing your face with hot water and harsh soaps is a big no-no – instead, make sure you use warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, and avoid scrubbing too hard. If you’re out of your favorite cleanser, make sure to check Fragrance Direct discount code and save some money on this purchase.
Once you’re done washing, apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. If you have dry skin, look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and lanolin – these will help your skin retain moisture and restore its protective barrier.
You should also consider using a night cream before going to bed – this will provide your skin with an extra dose of moisture and nutrients it needs to repair itself overnight.
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Exposure to sunlight is one of the main causes of premature skin aging. The UV rays coming from the sun are quite harmful, causing the skin to become dry, wrinkled, and discolored. In some cases, they can even lead to skin cancer.
That’s why it’s so important to protect your skin from the sun, especially during the summer months. Make sure to wear sunscreen every day, even if you don’t plan on spending too much time outdoors – and even on cloudy days. And if you do plan on spending extended periods in the sun, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
In addition to sunscreen, you might also want to consider wearing hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses when spending time outdoors. Those will provide an additional layer of protection for your skin. Furthermore, wearing gloves when gardening or doing household chores will not only help you protect your skin from the sun but also reduce the risk of injuring it.
Use a Humidifier
Dry air can be harsh on your skin, causing it to become dry, cracked, itching, and irritated. If you live in a dry climate or spend a lot of time in heated or air-conditioned rooms, using a humidifier is a good way to prevent humidity from being stripped from the air and, therefore, protect your skin.
It’s advised to keep your indoor humidity between 45% and 60% to reduce itchy and dry skin. Luckily, there are plenty of humidifiers on the market today, so you’ll find both budget-friendly and advanced models to meet your needs.
Examine Your Skin for Signs of Cancer
As we age, our risk of developing skin cancer increases, and 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. This is why it’s important to be vigilant and examine your skin regularly for any changes, such as new moles, spots, or growths. If you notice anything unusual during a skin self-exam, make an appointment with a dermatologist to have it checked out.
This step is often neglected, but it’s crucial to realize that if skin cancer is found early and removed, you’ll need no more treatment. However, if it’s found late and managed to spread, a more complicated treatment will be required.
While most skin changes are benign, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Final Note
Considering that the skin is the body’s largest organ, taking care of it is important at any age, but it becomes even more crucial as you get older. Thin, dry skin can become a source of discomfort and itchiness, or even be a sign of skin cancer or pre-cancerous growths. Luckily, putting some effort into your skin care allows you to look great even in your 60s and 70s.
With a few lifestyle changes and new habits, you will be able to improve your overall appearance, and will definitely feel better about yourself and aging in general. Remember that while signs of aging cannot be avoided completely, they can be effectively reduced. Happy aging!
