How to care for dry aging skin

Easy and inexpensive ways to care for your drying skin, or that of your spouse or parent, after age fifty.

The older skin is, the drier it is. Aging skin produces less natural body oil, plus years of sun exposure tends to dry the skin. As a result, little lines and cracks show up everywhere on the body, the scalp in particular sheds flakes of skin, and all-over body itching is a common problem.

Skin care begins in infancy when parents carefully wash baby with soft washcloths, gentle soaps and lukewarm water, and then apply lotions and oils to hold the moisture in. Skin health can be maintained by continuing these same practices throughout a lifetime.

Instructions

Step 1

Shower or bathe every other day, using warm--not hot--water and a mild soap.

Step 2

Wash face with a baby washcloth and a soap made for facial skin.

Step 3

Pat skin almost dry after shower or bath. Carefully dry hidden areas (such as skin folds or between toes) so that no excess moisture remains.

Step 4

Apply body lotion to entire body.

Step 5

Apply sunblock shortly before going outside, even on cloudy days, particularly between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Reapply every two hours and after swimming.

Step 6

Drink lots of water, at least six to eight 8-ounce cups daily.

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Things Needed

Mild body soap

Moisturizing face soap

Baby washcloths

Body lotion

Sunblock

A hat

Water

A dermatologist

Magnifying glass

Tips & Warnings

Shower with warm, not hot water.

Read labels on soaps, moisturizers and lotions, using a magnifying glass to see the fine print.

When choosing a sunblock, ask your dermatologist what sun protection factor (spf) is best for your skin.

If you apply less sunblock than directed, the sun protection factor is also lessened.

Wear a hat and cover other parts of the body when in the sun for long periods of time.

Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at least once each year.

Comments (1 to 2 of 2)

Kathleen Richardson

Jul 19, 10 at 09:45 PM

Thanks, M. J. You're an excellent writer and I'm gllad to have your article as part of my How To Guide.

M. J. Joachim

Jul 19, 10 at 09:09 PM

Nice How-to guide! Thanks for sharing Kathleen. Your information is great for people of all ages, not only those who are aging. I'll be sure to pass this along and give it a little digg:)

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Kathleen Richardson
Helium member since Mar 28, 08
Number of Guides: 23

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