Glowing Older, Part 1 

“Growing older gracefully” used to mean accepting the aging process of mature skin with a smile, or at least without complaining too much. No more. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the dryness, dullness and scratchiness you’re experiencing aren’t as inevitable as they seem.

Advances in mature skincare – and in the cosmetics industry’s awareness that there’s a serious market out there for people with mature skin – mean that there are more ways than ever before to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. But before we get into products and skincare regiments, let’s talk a bit about prevention.

The old saying goes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to skincare, it’s literally true: Good skincare habits will not only slow the aging process and minimize its symptoms, they can save you money in treatments, ointments and prescriptions for topical medications. And while these skincare habits are crucial for mature skin, they’re not exclusive. So do pass them on to your great-niece or your grandson. Here we go.

1. Stay Hydrated

Xerosis, or dry skin, is one of the hallmarks of the aging process. But some dry skin is really dehydrated skin in disguise. If your skin is especially itchy and flaky, consult your doctor to see if you’re getting enough fluids – even if you think are. Research shows that up to 75% of Americans are walking around chronically dehydrated, so it’s worth taking a look to see if you’re drinking enough.

If plain water’s not your thing, try seltzer. Another idea is to ask the kitchen staff for a slice of lemon in your water. And although there’s no denying that water is the healthiest source of fluid, take heart: broth-type soups as well as high water content fruits and vegetables will also help you get the hydration you need.

2. Lower the Bar

Bar soap can be really, really drying. If you use bar soap, switch to a bath gel or creamy body cleanser. Dermatologists recommend fragrance-free products, but if you love the feeling of a wonderfully-scented cleanser, either choose one that’s formulated for dry and sensitive skin or limit the one you’re using to less-sensitive areas of your body.

3. The 15-Minute Rule

It sounds counter-intuitive but it’s true: Prolonged exposure to water will dry out your skin, so try to limit your bath or shower to 15 minutes or less. And while steaming hot water can be luxurious, that level of heat is a definite irritant. Warm water is much better for your skin than hot.

4. Pat Down

This is the last of the mature skincare bathing tips: When you scrub your skin with a washcloth or rub it dry with a towel, the resulting friction will dry out your skin and irritate it to boot. Not fun. Try a gentle bath sponge while you’re bathing and when you get out of the shower, pat your skin until it’s almost dry but not quite. That last, thin layer of moisture will get locked in when you use your moisturizer.

5. The Heat is On

Summer’s almost here and along with the fresh air and beautiful skies comes that delicious, shining sun. Getting out and enjoying it is really important, but so is taking care of your skin. According to Dr. Steven Q. Wang, the director of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the most effective way to protect your skin is to take a three-pronged approach:

• Sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, both of which cause skin cancer. If you have particularly sensitive or extremely fair skin, choose a product with an SPF of 50 or higher. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside, and every two hours after that. If you’re going swimming, reapply immediately afterward.
• Clothing. Wear a broad-rimmed hat and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and long pants or a long skirt.
• Shade. The best way to protect yourself from the sun and enjoy it is to seek shade, especially during peak hours, which depending on where you live are approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

6. Sleeping Beauty

They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing. When you go to sleep at night, your body uses the time to repair and rejuvenate itself, including your skin. Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but the average person needs 6-8 hours of sleep per night.

7. An Expression of Humidity

Air conditioners in the summer and heating units during the winter are great at keeping our body temperatures comfortable, but they can dry out the air miserably. If you feel that the air in your room is dry – or if you find yourself waking up thirsty for no good reason – ask your Resident Manager for a humidifier to balance out the moisture level. There’s nothing to aggravate drying and itchy skin like sleeping in dry air.

Next up: Skincare Into the Sixties and Seventies

Do you have any skincare habits that work for you? Please share them in the comments below!