Changing Your Skincare Regimen as You Age

As we age, lots of things change, starting with our skin. Growing older doesn’t mean you have to be plagued with wrinkles, age spots and dry skin. By taking the time to  alter your skincare regimen a bit can make all the difference in keeping your skin healthy and youthful. First off, if you are not wearing sunscreen, start! There are many skincare products for anti-aging that contain sunscreen, look for the highest SPF as you can.

As you age, you can no longer get away with going to bed without cleansing and moisturizing your face. Gone are those day’s of waking up with mascara left on the pillowcase. Party all night is no longer a good idea, drinking pretty much steals water out of your skin!

Your skin becomes thinner because it loses fat as you age. Veins are more prominent, and bumps and bruises can take longer to heal. Guarding against injuries is important to keep your skin clear and vital. I have noticed myself that if I bump into the armrest of my couch, I have bruises that never seem to go away.

If you tan – give it up. As you age, it no longer makes sense to spend hours in the sun or use chemicals to darken your skin. The sun causes wrinkles, dry skin, itching and dehydration – especially in your later years. If you think you still need to be tan?

Check out this article about George Hamilton at 80! The most well known person who is over-tanned always!

One of the best things you can do for your skin as you age is drinking enough water. Hydration is vitally critical to your entire body, but especially to your biggest organ – your skin.

Stopping smoking and practice relieving stress to also help you better care for your skin. Using too much perfume, taking hot baths, using too much soap or antiperspirant can also make your skin appear dryer and add fine lines and wrinkles.

A good moisturizer, cream or ointment should be used on your skin every day to ensure it stays soft and supple. Also, bathe in warm water rather than hot and no bath oils. A humidifier is helpful to your skin – especially if you live in a dry climate or use air conditioning or heating in your home.

Age spots (once called liver spots) are mostly caused by spending too much time in the sun. Always wear protective clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen when you’re outdoors.

Remember that the price of a skincare product doesn’t mean it’s going to work. Some of the best skincare lines on the market today can be found at your local drug store. Many drug store brands are created by the same overall company as the really pricey ones. But it’s best to consult your dermatologist if you’re worried about wrinkles, skin cancers or spots. He or she can correctly guide you to the proper skin care products.

I remember looking at skincare at Walgreens, for those of us with mature skin and the woman next to me saw what I was looking at, and she told me she would never buy it because it was over $25.00! I never looked at prices, I always look for the skincare that is cruelty-free, never tested on animals if possible. The brand I was looking at, which I buy lots of, was Boots nu.7. I love the brand. But if you never even try a brand, how would you know if it works or not?

Avoid products which contain too much perfume or which may contain too many acidic chemicals for aging skin. If a product causes your skin to itch or turn red, stop using it immediately. The issue with perfumes is what they are made of, BUT there is skincare that just masked the scent instead of really removing it. When you are buying a new brand, always test it on the back of your hand, just to be sure.

Start taking care of your skin when you’re young, and you’ll have fewer problems as you age. Alter your skin care regimen as the years go by to address and alleviate possible concerns in the future.

Image: George Hamilton from The Hollywood Reporter