How To Treat Aging Skin

Aging skin grows thinner, less supple and more delicate, and may require a shift in your skin care routine. You'll need to hydrate and seal in moisture on your face and hands more often to avoid dryness and painful cracking. You'll want to prevent skin cancer, age spots and excessive wrinkles. While you can't eliminate the effects of a lifetime of sun exposure, you can preserve your healthy skin's moisture level and protect it from environmental harm with dedicated daily skin care.

Step 1 Use hypoallergenic products made for sensitive skin. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), soaps that contain perfume, deodorant and antibacterial agents can dry aging skin. Moisturizing lotions that contain fragrance or color can irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. The resulting inflammation is a source of dryness and discomfort.

Step 2 Cleanse healthy skin gently to avoid abrasion and cuts. The AAD relates that daily cleansing maintains healthy skin but that mature skin is more easily damaged and takes longer to heal. Use fingertips instead of a washcloth on your face. A soft cloth is gentler for body skin care than loofahs and synthetic sponges.

Step 3 Moisturize often to heal or prevent dry skin. The Mayo Clinic suggests getting the most out of a moisturizing cream or lotion by applying it while the skin surface is still damp from washing.

Step 4 Take extra precautions against sun damage. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing sunscreen every day and putting on long-sleeved clothing, hats and sunglasses for strong sun exposure.

Step 5 Use an anti-aging topical cream. The AAD endorses skin care products that promote cellular turnover of new, healthy skin. Ingredients such as retinol, azelaic acid and alpha hydroxy acids are proven to diminish fine lines and wrinkles in aging skin.

Step 6 Inspect yourself for possible skin cancer symptoms once a month. The National Institute on Aging notes that the effects of ultraviolet exposure from the sun appear as you age, and those effects include signs of skin cancer. Have your doctor examine any questionable moles and other skin growths that are irregular in shape, or that change color or size in a short period of time.