Fine lines and crow’s feet aren’t the only issues that your skin faces as you age. Along with gradual creases and wrinkles, the aging adult may experience excessively dry skin, age spots, and a greater likelihood of developing some skin cancers. Luckily, routine dermatological care can help most seniors to combat these conditions.
If you or a loved one is 65 or older, look at what you need to know about skin and the aging adult.
Sun Damage
The aging process isn’t always at fault with skin conditions in older adults. A lifetime of sun exposure (especially unprotected sun exposure) can lead to irreversible damage. Also known as photoaging, the effects of the sun’s UV rays can result in premature wrinkling and other types of skin-related issues. These include excessively dry skin, discoloration, a leathery texture, freckling, or skin cancer.
Even though the damage is already present, you can protect yourself against continued sun damage. Using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily can help lower the sun exposure risks. This means wearing sunscreen on all exposed skin, regardless of the season. Continue to wear an SPF (or a moisture-containing SPF) on your face and other exposed areas in the non-summer months too.
Skin Cancer
Age puts you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the rate of melanoma in Caucasian males 65 and over has increased by more than 5 percent each year since 1975.
Along with years of UV damage through unprotected sun exposure, aging adults often have weakened immune systems and thinner skin. These age-related issues, combined with years of skin damage from environmental pollutants, may make a skin cancer diagnosis in an older adult more likely.
Again, protecting your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF daily can help to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Checking your entire body for noticeable changes is another major way to protect yourself. While a self-check won’t eliminate the risk, this can help you to catch skin cancer before it progresses.
The same goes for routine dermatologist skin check-ups. Depending on your risk factors (such as family history or history of past cancers), your dermatologist may want you to visit the office every 6 or 12 months.
Dry Skin
While anyone can have dry skin, the likelihood of this itchy, uncomfortable condition grows with age. Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, can affect the skin and cause drying. Likewise, excessive sun exposure, indoor dry air environments, and the loss of sweat and oil glands (which can happen as adults age) can also lead to dryness.
Hydration is an easy way to combat skin dryness. Drink water throughout the day, especially in the summer, during hot weather, and during periods of activity. If the dryness causes cracks, pain, redness, or discomfort, talk to your dermatologist. The professional can prescribe or recommend a moisturizer or lotion for daily use.
Age Spots
Age spots may look like freckles, but they are typically larger and develop later in life. Most adults won’t see these flat, brown areas of skin discoloration appear until they reach age 50 or older . In some cases, younger adults can experience this condition. Typically, this happens after extreme or consistent unprotected sun exposure.
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to the experts at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists.
