6 Skin Care Tips for Older Women

As you get older, proper skin care can postpone most of the effects of aging. Some of the common skin complaints among older women are wrinkles, rosacea, and broken blood vessels. You can prevent aging to a great extent by taking good care of your health and your skin.

1 – Avoid Smoking

The harmful effects of smoking are well known. Long term smokers often have leathery skin and wrinkles that are difficult to get rid of. In addition to causing cancer, smoking causes severe harm to your skin. It narrows down your blood vessels and blocks the passage of oxygen and other nutrients. This affects the appearance of the skin, causing wrinkles. As you age, your skin much more sensitive to this damage.

2 – Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Overexposure to the sun must be avoided at all ages, but more so as we mature. Avoid going out in the sun between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you have no choice, try to avoid the sun as much as you can, by seeking a shaded spot. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen, which provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. A minimum SPF of 15 is essential. Even when you are indoors, apply sunscreen. The harmful effects of the sun are not restricted to the outdoors, and can penetrate windows. Invest in a humidifier to keep the air in your home from getting too dry.

3 – Use Gentle Cleansers

Avoid the use of harsh soaps and cleansers that have a strong smell. Gentle soaps like Dove and Neutrogena are good for the skin, and do not strip it of moisture. Avoid hot water while bathing or washing your face. Avoid cleansers and sunscreens that contain alcohol. Rosacea is a common skin ailment, especially in older women. It can be combated effectively by following these precautions and also by not rubbing the skin or exfoliating, which are actions that tend to aggravate rosacea symptoms. Using night creams and products containing Retinol A are also helpful in reversing some skin damage.

4 – Eat Right

The importance of a healthy diet increases with age. Incorporate plenty of leafy greens and antioxidants such as berries in your diet. Drink plenty of water, unless you have a medical condition that prohibits you from doing so. Eating right is a good way to detoxify your system, and the effects will show on your skin. Avoid red meats, fatty and fried foods, and take supplemental vitamins on a daily basis.

5 – Exercise

Exercise is vital to good health and beautiful skin. As we sweat during after exercising, the body is getting rid of toxins, and makes the skin glow. Exercise also fights conditions like blood pressure and heat ailments. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure may help reduce the occurrence of broken blood vessels, which are common in older people.

6 – Avoid Stress

Stress is a major aging factor. Get plenty of rest when you can. Spend your free time enjoying recreational activities. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it can cause lines on your face, which can contribute to wrinkles.