Aging is one of the many stages of life you are bound to come across sooner or later. It’s definitely a privilege yet it brings along some unique skin changes we might not have signed up for. You may wear laugh lines with pride for sure. But what about dry, itchy, flaky skin that feels like sandpaper. Not so glamorous.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on every miracle cream that promises much more than it can deliver. You can lean on natural, simple, and much more effective ways to give your skin the care it deserves. If something feels off you can always check with a medical dermatologist!
Let’s start with a few tried and tested tips for dry skin first!
1. A Moisturizer Should Be Your New BFF
Moisturizers are like a tall glass of water for your skin. As we age our skin naturally loses collagen as well as the ability to retain moisture. So, those lotions and creams you've collected in your drawer? It’s time to use them.
Here’s a trick that works. Try applying moisturizer right after you take a bath, while your skin is still slightly damp. This will lock in that moisture instead of letting it evaporate. Avoid creams with an overwhelming fragrance. Always go for thin lotions with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
2. Healthy Fats are Your Best Bet
Your skin needs nourishment, hydration, and moisture from the inside. Omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds can help you maintain a plump appearance as they replenish the natural oil your skin usually produces.
Your skin enjoys the best support when you opt for a diet rich in healthy fats. Fats can also help reduce inflammation which is the number one cause of dryness. Next time you hop into the grocery store, toss some avocados in your cart to make your skin glow!
3. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Your skin ages a lot faster when you fail to save it from the sun. Keep in mind that the sun’s rays are working at your skin even when you take a short walk, go for a swim, or pop out to hang some laundry for a few minutes.
Since the rays don’t take a rest, even on cloudy days, you shouldn’t either. Invest in a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and lather it on daily. Many seniors may skin this step because they think the damage is already done. Don’t forget, protecting yourself from sun damage can prevent further aging and dryness, and it is always a good idea.
4. Don’t Scrub Your Skin Off
Some people may believe using an abrasive scrub every day will remove the dirt and grime or blackheads from their face and make it glow much more than usual. However, using harsh scrubs can strip away the protective layer of your skin if done too often.
The same goes for traditional soaps. If you are used to a specific soap, ditch it and invest in a good quality cleanser. Make sure it is mild, creamy, doesn’t contain tiny beads, and provides your skin with ample hydration. Apply it and build up a lather with a gentle, circular motion.
5. Water; the Solution to All Your Troubles
We might have been stressing on hydration a bit too much, but it’s really the best defense you have against dry skin. This time, we are focusing on hydrating yourself from the inside out. You might have heard “drink more water” a million times already, but that’s not all.
Hydration doesn’t magically come from drinking gallons of water. Drinking water is important but what’s even more helpful is eating fruits and vegetables that have a lot of water content inside them.
We also recommend avoiding alcohol or caffeine which can suck the moisture from your skin. If you find plain water too boring try adding some lemon and mint to it and sip it throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Aging and skin issues might put a damper on your happy moments, yet it is totally avoidable. If you want to go a step further you can choose a dermatologist who understands you and is ready to support you through your journey
Dermatologists allow you to identify specific causes and treat them accordingly. Although the anti-aging tips above are helpful at times, it doesn’t hurt to visit a medical professional and ask them for advice, especially for the bigger issues that just don’t go away with time!