Whether it is a few laugh lines or thinner skin, older women often face skin challenges that are caused by a variety of factors that include lifestyle, diet, sun exposure, harsh weather, heredity, muscle loss, smoking, pollution, and more.

Thankfully, we don’t have to accept a fate of crepey or irritated skin. With a little extra tender loving care and mindfulness, older women can take steps to keep our skin healthy and fresh looking so we can age with grace by caring for our skin properly.

To help us on this journey, we have compiled the following essential seven healthy skin care tips for older women:

1. Moisturise, Moisturise, and Moisturise

As we age and go through menopause, our bodies experience a drop in estrogen. While this can wreak havoc with our hormones, it also slows down the body’s ability to produce oils. This can lead to severe dryness and lackluster skin. To keep us comfortable in our own skin, experts recommend trapping in the moisture our bodies already have by using moisturisers and creams to kick painful dryness and itchiness to the curb.

For optimal results, look for products that feature ingredients, such as: olive oil, lanolin, petroleum, mineral oil, Aloe Vera, glycerin, and shea butter. For best results, apply moisturisers daily and immediately after washing.

2. Avoid Irritation

In addition to painful dryness, our skin becomes more fragile and requires us to exercise caution. This happens for a variety of reasons, but primarily because blood vessels thin and the surface layer of skin flattens. This can spell trouble for us, because we can suffer bruising, tearing, and sores more easily.

We can protect our skin and keep it healthy by choosing soft fabrics, avoiding sharp buttons or jewelry, bypassing rough fabrics, adjusting our sitting and sleeping positions frequently to prevent pressure points or sores, and using gentle cleaners to keep irritation at bay. If we accidentally scratch our delicate skin, make sure to treat it accordingly.

3. Clean and Exfoliate

Just because we are older, it doesn’t mean that we need to stop cleaning our skin. Sloughing away dead skin can clear up menopausal acne and even stimulate collagen production which will aide in keeping our skin healthy and vibrant. Our skin cells are constantly renewing, even when we are older, and properly cleaning our skin can help with this process.

Avoid harsh and grainy exfoliators by utilising gentle exfoliating cleansers geared toward sensitive skin.

4. Keep it Humid

Dry air is a well-known culprit for causing dry and rough skin. Dry air can occur when our homes and flats rely on forced heating and cooling systems. If the air becomes too dry, it can cause our skin to flare up with rashes, red spots, and flaking. To combat dry air in our homes, add a little humidity back into the air by using a humidifier or gently boiling a pan of water on our kitchen stove so it slowly evaporates back into the air while making yourself a cup of tea.

Experts recommend we keep our homes at a 60% humidity level for ultimate comfort.

5. Eat for your Skin

Another way older women can care for their skin is to eat a well balanced diet and consume plenty of water. The foods we eat can influence our skin’s ability to maintain moisture. For healthy skin, it is recommended we stay hydrated and enjoy foods rich in essential fatty acids.

These nutrients can easily be found in the following foods:

• Fatty fish like salmon or cod.
• Walnuts.
• Avocados.
• Flaxseed.
• Fortified yoghurt.
• Olive oil.

6. Apply Sunblock

Many of us associate sunblock with younger women and children. However, we still need to protect our skin from the sun’s harsh rays, even on cloudy days. Our skin is more fragile and susceptible to sunburns so be sure to keep applying your favorite broad spectrum sunblock product everyday to prevent painful burns and blisters.

Also, an ounce of prevention might stop the sun damaging our skin and causing extra wrinkles or sunspots from forming.

7. Limit Bathing

Older people need to be aware of how hot water and overbathing can cause our skin to lose precious moisture and oils. Doctors recommend that we bathe as needed, limit our washing to between five and 10 minutes, and use warm water (not too hot).

Afterwards, make sure to pat dry and apply your favorite moisturisers or lotions to prevent unnecessary drying of the skin.

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What healthy skin care tips for older women can you share? Comment below with your hints and tips.

Remember to use the discount code BLOG2018 when you order one a personal alarm on a Monthly or Annual Plan to receive £5 off.

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