Aging is a serious and continuous process that affects all people. As we age, our skin is not as plump, radiant, or bright as it used to be when we were younger. For example, when you reach your 50s and 60s, it is common to start seeing dark spots, sagging skin, and wrinkles. All of these are normal and really occur when people age. However, there are a lot of ways out there that you can try to restore your youthful glow and keep your skin moisturized.
According to dermatologists, some of the things that make the skin dry as we age include sun damage, fewer natural oils, and decreased cell renewal. In addition to that, loss of hormones can also lead to dry skin. This is because the skin does not produce as many natural moisturizing factors as it used to, which makes the top layers of the skin dry. If you are experiencing aging skin and looking for ways on how to keep it moisturized, you’re in the right place. Read on as we’re giving your some of the best tips for keeping aging skin moisturized.
1. Always apply sunscreen.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology or AAD, sun damage is one of the major causes of unwanted changes to the skin. The rays of the sun can be as intense and damaging in winter as in summer. The damage that it causes does not only speed up the aging process of the skin, but it can also cause other skin issues, such as age spots, melanomas, wrinkles, and spider veins.
To protect your skin and keep it moisturized every day, it is essential to use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor or SPF of 30 or greater. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can protect you from UVA and UVB rays. It is important to reapply it generously every two hours when you are outdoors, especially if you are in and out of the water or working up a sweat.
Also, make sure that you wear sun-protective pieces of clothing as well. These may include a wide-brimmed hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants. Try to stay out of the sun too when it is at its most intense, which is usually from 10am to 2pm.
2. Exfoliate your skin.
One of the most important steps in keeping matured skin moisturized is exfoliating. Doing this will help remove dead skin cells buildup and freshen up the dermis. This will leave the skin ready to absorb all the nutrients in your skincare routine easier. In addition, exfoliating your skin will also make it look younger by removing accumulated debris, polishing your pores and fine lines, and giving you a glowing appearance.
3. Use facial oils.
Another effective way to keep aging skin moisturized is by using facial oils. If you stayed away from these oils most of your life because of oily skin problems or acne issues, it is now time to use them. One of the highly recommended facial oils is organic rosehip oil due to its antioxidants, fatty acids, and light consistency. Aside from this, you can also use grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or apricot kernel oil. If you have some extra virgin olive oil, it is also great for your skincare routine.
4. Lessen facials, facial steaming, and hot baths or showers.
If you are a fan of skincare procedures that involve steaming, you need to lessen on these when you have aging skin. Since your skin is beginning to produce less collagen and maintain less moisture, the harsher you treat it, the drier it will end up. You just need to make sure that you clean your face properly and follow your usual cleansing method. Just remember to be careful and gentle when using heat.
5. Utilize rich moisturizers on your skin.
For people with aging skin, now is the best time to buy thick face creams that you don’t usually use during your teens, youth, and adulthood days. Gently massage the creams onto your skin and let them absorb. You don’t really need to buy the most expensive moisturizers in the market. You just need to choose one that your skin will appreciate and pick a product that contains fruit oils, antioxidants, and fatty acids. Try to invest in moisturizers that will improve your skin and help it stay hydrated and glowing.
6. Eat healthy foods.
A healthy diet is a must when it comes to keeping the skin moisturized. Ensure that you drink lots of water, as this will help increase your overall cell hydration. You can also drink herbal teas as they can help in detoxifying the body. Eat fruits, vegetables, and other foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
7. Try to keep your environment humid.
If you are living in a dry climate area or your workplace has a liking for excessive heating or air conditioning, you can keep your environment humid by placing a large water bowl near you. The slow water evaporation will incorporate into the atmosphere, and your skin will not lose a lot of moisture as it usually would. You can also use a humidifier at home when the air feels dry. Try to keep the humidity between 45% to 60% indoors to reduce dry and itchy skin.
8. Choose cosmetics or makeup products that will aid your skin in balancing its moisture.
If you like putting on makeup products, now is the best time to invest in quality powder and foundation. You also need to switch to products for skin that is one step drier than your normal type. For example, if you have or had oily skin, you need to switch to normal skincare makeup. This will help improve the overall condition of your skin, accommodating more moisture into the upper layers of the skin.
These are some of the best tips that we can give on how to keep aging skin moisturized. By doing these, you will help prevent your skin from becoming dry and dull. While the right skincare can truly help, there are certain medications, surgery, and health problems that might take a toll on your skin. With this, it is also very important that you consult with a dermatologist to understand the effects of each of these on your skin and provide you with the right treatment plan that is tailored to your skin’s needs.