Is it mandatory for the elderly to use skin care products?

Caring for the skin needs to be done by everyone. The reason is, the skin is the body's first line of protection. That's why skin care should be started as early as possible. So, what if you are already old? Caring for your skin may no longer be a priority like when you were young. However, a skin care regime is still important, you know, for the elderly!

The main skin problem in the elderly

The texture and condition of the skin will continue to change with age. As you get older, the fatty tissue between your skin and muscles tends to thin out, so your skin looks stretched and saggy.

But apart from the age factor, skin condition in old age is also influenced by lifestyle, diet, stress, heredity, and other habits when young, such as smoking for example. Skin aging can also be affected by medical conditions, such as obesity or daily facial movements.

In addition, sun exposure is also a major cause of damage and aging of the skin. Sunlight breaks down the elastic tissue in the skin, making it stretchy, sagging, wrinkled and blotchy.

Reporting from the American Academy of Dermatology, people over 60 years of age usually experience skin problems such as:

Dry and rough skin
Benign skin growths such as seborrheic keratoses
Sagging facial skin, especially around the eyes, cheeks and jaw
The skin starts to thin and looks like smooth paper
The skin bruises easily because it is less elastic
More prone to infection
Itchy skin easily

Skin care is still important for the elderly

Many people think that aging skin is natural and inevitable, so that skin care is no longer needed by older people. However, this is not entirely correct. Everyone still needs to look after and care for their skin at all ages. Likewise during old age.

Routine skin care helps elderly people to avoid further problems. For example this: elderly skin tends to be dry. If left untreated, skin that is left dry will easily itch. When the skin is itchy for forgiveness and continues to be scratched, over time the skin can be injured.

In fact, the speed at which the skin can heal wounds in old age has slowed considerably. Wounds don't heal and dry as quickly as they were when they were young. This makes the risk of infection likely to increase.

Therefore, do not neglect the routine of skin care so that the skin of the elderly remains healthy even though the appearance is no longer the same as it used to be.

Skin care products are mandatory for the elderly

Skin care products for the elderly are not as numerous and complex as those for young ones. The focus of most skincare products for the elderly is usually a follow-up treatment so that the skin can stay healthy. The following are mandatory skin care products that the elderly should not miss:

Moisturizer

Elderly must still use moisturizer to moisturize their skin so that it doesn't get dry and injured easily.

The products used are not only for the face. Also use body lotion to moisturize the whole body, from hands to feet. Apply moisturizer evenly every day so that all dry areas of the skin can be properly hydrated.

Choose a product with a mild content that is not easily irritated. If you are confused or unsure about choosing the right product, consult a dermatologist and ask for recommendations.

In addition to frequent use of moisturizer and drinking water, the elderly also need to avoid bathing in warm water for too long so that the skin does not dry out quickly.

Sunscreen

Who says the elderly don't have to sunscreen? Suncscreen is another skin care product that must be used by the elderly. Especially when doing outdoor activities.

Sunscreen helps dispel the dangers of UVA and UVB radiation which can trigger the appearance of dark spots on the skin. Other than that, sunscreen also helps reduce the risk of skin cancer which is very susceptible to attack the elderly.

Use sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 so that the skin is well protected. Don't forget to apply sunscreen every two hours, especially after sweating.