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Community Service Program

The Skin Changes With Age

Seniors Should Make Skin Care Part Of Their Daily Routine

Human skin is truly amazing. It is the largest organ in the body and it is designed to refresh itself. New cells are continuously formed in the lower layers of the skin and then proceed to move outward. Along the way, they regulate body temperature, maintain the body’s fluid and salt balance, and protect us from bacterial invasion and other harmful external factors. When they finally reach the outside surface, the cells are dead and naturally discarded by the body.

With age, the renewal process slows. This forces the dead skin cells to remain on the surface for a longer time. In addition, the skin layer becomes thinner and loses some of its elasticity. This results in drier skin that looks duller, has more wrinkles, feels rougher and is more scaly. It also tends to have more spots/growths and heal more slowly.

Fortunately, with proper care and preventative measures, many of the skin problems that are common with seniors can be minimized or avoided. As for those that do become a health or cosmetic issue, most are treatable with current therapies.

Using less soap can help the skin retain its moisture. The type of soap matters, too. Glycerin soaps with a cleansing cream are preferred over perfumed or deodorant soaps. And remember to thoroughly rinse off any soap.

Dry Skin & Itchiness

Keeping Moist

Many seniors suffer from dry skin and the related itchiness that can range from mild discomfort to “I can’t stand it anymore!”. Here are some of the factors that can magnify this condition.

  • Decrease in the secretion of body oils.
  • Side-effect of medications or treatments.
  • Bathing in hot water and bathing too much.
  • Too much exposure to the sun.
  • Sensitivity to clothing fabrics. Wool and synthetics are the more common culprits.
  • Dry heating systems.
  • Reactions to harsh soaps and detergents.
  • Scratching—this can make itchiness even worse, as well as cause other skin problems.

Here are some helpful tips to help the skin retain and attain moisture.

  • Use moisturizers, especially prior to going to bed. Being a little damp when applying a lotion helps to lock in the moisture.
  • Use a bath oil, but be cautious because this increases the risk of a slip or fall.
  • Bathe or shower a little less. And shorten the time while using warm water.
  • Apply petroleum jelly to real dry areas. (Be aware this can stain good clothes and linens.)
  • Use a humidifier on cool, dry days.
  • Shower after exiting a chlorinated pool and then apply a moisturizer.
  • Avoid the sun and cover up when in the sun.
(Sources: American Academy of Dermatology & University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics)