by Elinda Harrison

Created on: September 10, 2009

Effects of old age on skin...

Well my journey into old-age has begun at the ripe "old" age of 50! Yeah, 50! I just boarded this flight and although I am a white-knuckled flyer, I am on my way to Elderlyville and have gathered as much infomration as I can to ensure a good trip. There are many negatives effects of old age on skin and over the course of these 50 years, I have learned a little bit on skin care.

Our skin changes as we get older, just like every part of our body. Skin especially changes in look and texture. My skin has become looser, and scratches and bumps are more pronounced and usually takes longer to fade and/or takes longer to heal. I have noticed that I wrinkle more easily and have several dry spots (age spots). The dry patches are the worst for me and I forever itch. Bummer!

Not drinking enough fluids is usually a cause for dry skin. I drink a lot of water and other liquids, usually juices and coffee, and except for the coffee, I do not think this is one of my reasons for having dry skin. I am fifty years old and I smoke cigarettes. I am under a lot of stress, most of the time. I have read that these may be (these are) factors in why my skin is dry. I am diabetic and have other health concerns that are also factors in having dry skin.

I have found that using basic moisturizers can help heal and ease the effects of dry skin. I shower in warm water, instead of hot baths and find that this helps in keeping the itching to a lesser degree. I make it a point to lotion often, as once in the morning and once in the afternoon or evening is usually not enough. There are days when I use lotions and moisturizers four to five times a day. When you itch as much and as often as I do, you will continue to moisten your skin frequently.

I am not as interested in getting rid of wrinkles as much as I am in getting relief from the itching. But to help keep the wrinkles to a minimum, I stick to a regiment I found on the Internet (www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/skin .htm ). Some of those tips are:

(1) Limit time in the sun.

(2) Use sunscreen.

(3) Wear protective clothing.

(4) Avoid tanning.

There are several websites that offer information on skin care and aging. (www.aad.org, www.cancer.gov, www.fda.gov, www.nia.nih.gov, and www.nihseniorhealth.gov (for seniors).

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