As we get older, our skin begins to show and feel the effects of aging and long-term exposure to environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and other aspects of our lifestyles. While there are plenty of myths surrounding “anti-aging miracle treatments” and other ways to avoid “showing your age”, the truth is that the best way to maintain optimal skin health (and look your best, in turn) is to take a preventative approach and focus on overall health and wellness.
For those entering their golden years, or for those looking to help a loved one transition into a new phase in life comfortably, below are a few key pointers to protecting our aging skin. Read on to learn more!
What Makes Senior Skincare Unique?
Our skin changes significantly through different stages of life, from our teenage years all the way up to our 80’s and beyond. While everyone’s skin will change differently over time, there are some common factors to be aware of when considering senior skincare in particular. Fragile skin, severe dryness, increased chances of bruising and other such issues become more common over time, and knowing how to address them is crucial for enjoying overall health and wellness.
Focusing on prevention is the best way to avoid painful injuries, as well as keep your skin as durable as possible for as long as possible. To help prepare your aging skin to stand the test of time, you’ll want to focus on the following:
Sun Protection
Sun exposure poses a risk to everyone, regardless of your age, but it can be particularly detrimental in our advanced years, where less resilient skin is prone to more significant damage from minor events. Establish and maintain a sunscreen routine whenever you go outside as early on as possible, and choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Remember to apply sunscreen even on cloudy days and to include often-missed areas like your neck and hands. Wearing hats and other protective clothing are another great way to help shield your skin and prevent advanced signs of aging.
Moisturizing and Cleansing
Aging skin is prone to faster moisture loss and lower overall retention, which can lead to dryness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Including a gentle moisturizer in your skincare routine is helpful when it comes to retaining water beneath the skin’s surface. The more hydrated your skin is, the healthier it looks and feels.
In addition to cleansing, you’ll also want to swap out any harsh or fragranced products in favour of solutions that are mild and hydrating, and that do not strip your face of essential natural oils. For those unsure of what to use, it’s always a safe bet to consult with your doctor or dermatologist
Antioxidant-rich Skincare
Incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine can help to combat some of the damage caused by environmental factors like free radicals and more. Vitamin C, E, and A all act as powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors and stimulate collagen production. Collagen is crucial for boosting skin elasticity, and serums containing these ingredients can be a solid addition to your skincare.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Two of the best ways to slow the signs of aging is to care for your body as much as possible. Focus on good hydration and a healthy, balanced diet that’s rich in vitamins, nutrients and essential minerals. Incorporate “high value” nutritional foods like fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 acids to boost your skin’s health and combat those early signs of aging.
A well-hydrated body reflects in healthy skin. Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Less sugary drinks and more water!
Adequate Sleep
Lack of sleep wreaks havoc on every bodily function, including the systems that help to regulate your skin cells replenishing. Prolonged sleep deprivation or “short changing” can lead to inflammation, illness, and chronic conditions that take a toll on your body as a whole. While the exact amount of sleep that adults need per night varies, aim for 7-9 hours a night where possible to give your skin, as well as your body, a chance to rest and refresh.
Regular Exercise
There’s a reason the importance of exercise is so strongly highlighted by healthcare professionals. Exercise promotes blood circulation and oxygen delivery throughout the body, which influences the health and wellness of our skin and other organs. Regularly moving the body, focusing on both cardiovascular wellness and strength training, is crucial to keep our entire body strong and healthy as we age, and by extension, helps to slow the effects of aging on our skin.
Prevention and Relief with Aqua Miraculorum
At Bloo Pharmapeutica, we’re here to help seniors, as well as anyone looking to keep their skin healthy and to avoid the pain of skin that isn’t aging well. Our Aqua Miraculorum is the world’s only whole-body Methylene Blue skin care bath product. It was carefully formulated to help defy the typical signs aging skin and to offer an easy-to-use option for increasing skin elasticity and resiliency. Learn more here, and by contacting our team today!