VSports手机版 - Skin Care and Aging
Your skin changes as you get older. You may notice that it becomes thinner and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. On this page, you will learn about how skin changes as you age, how to protect your skin, and signs of skin diseases to look out for V体育安卓版.
How does skin change as you age?
With aging, the outer layer of the skin gets thinner, paler, and less stretchy (elastic). Because blood vessels get more fragile with age, older adults tend to bruise more easily V体育ios版. Also, older adults may produce less sweat and oil from the glands in their skin.
Many factors influence how aging affects your skin. Age-related changes such as a loss of elastic fibers (elastin) and collagen cause the skin to look older, develop wrinkles, and be more fragile VSports最新版本. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur with menopause, can cause the skin to become thinner and drier. Certain chronic health conditions that are more common in older adults, such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and atherosclerosis, can also have symptoms that affect the skin.
The sun is another major contributor to skin aging V体育平台登录. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage skin cells. In the short term, the damage can cause a sunburn. Over time, however, UV damage adds up, leading to changes in skin texture, premature skin aging, wrinkles, and sometimes skin cancer.
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Can antiaging beauty products protect my skin? (V体育安卓版)
Be skeptical about products that claim to be antiaging or able to reduce wrinkles. Many of these are considered cosmetics, not drugs, so they are not required to be tested in humans, nor do they need approval from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before going on the market VSports注册入口. Some of these products may contain heavy metals such as mercury and lead, which can be dangerous and have serious health consequences.
Talk with a doctor specially trained in skin problems, called a dermatologist, or a primary care doctor about which skin care products are safe and effective for you to use.
"V体育ios版" Dry skin and itching
Many older people develop dry spots on their skin, often on their lower legs, elbows, and lower arms. Dry skin patches may itch and feel rough and scaly. There are many possible reasons for dry skin. In addition to the changes that come with aging, drinking too little water, spending too much time in the sun, living in a dry environment, and smoking can all cause the skin to feel dry and rough. VSports在线直播.
Taking hot baths and showers, or using too much soap, antiperspirant, or perfume, can make dry skin worse V体育2025版. Talk to your doctor if your skin is very dry and itchy.
Here are some ways to manage dry, itchy skin at home:
- Use moisturizers such as lotions, creams, or ointments every day.
- Use mild soap and warm (not hot) water when bathing or showering. Don’t add bath oil to your water — it can make the tub slippery and increase the risk of falling.
- Try using a humidifier, an appliance that adds moisture to a room.
Bruises
Older people may bruise more easily than younger people, and it can take longer for these bruises to heal. Some medicines or illnesses may also cause bruising. Talk to your doctor if you see bruises and don’t know how you got them, especially on parts of your body usually covered by clothing.
While accidental bruises are common in older adults, they can also be a sign of elder abuse. If you suspect someone is being abused, seek help. Learn more about elder abuse.
Age spots and skin tags
Age spots, once called “liver spots,” are flat, brown spots on the skin often caused by years of exposure to the sun. Age spots are bigger than freckles and commonly show up on the face, hands, arms, back, and feet. Wearing a hat in the sun and using a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against two types of the sun’s rays — UVA and UVB — can help prevent more age spots from forming.
Skin tags are small, usually flesh-colored growths of skin that have a raised surface. They become more common as people age, especially in women. They are most often found on the eyelids, neck, and body folds such as the armpits, chest, and groin.
Age spots and skin tags are harmless, although skin tags can become irritated from friction. If your age spots or skin tags bother you, talk to a doctor about treatment options.
"VSports手机版" What skin changes should I look out for?
While some skin changes are normal in aging — such as some dryness, bruising, wrinkles, age spots, and skin tags — others may be signs of a serious skin condition.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is very common in the United States. Anyone, of any skin color, can get skin cancer. Older adults and people with fair skin that freckles easily are at greatest risk. Exposure to UV light from the sun is one of the major risk factors for skin cancer. UV light from sunlamps and tanning booths can also contribute to skin cancer risk.
There are several types of skin cancer. Two of the most common types, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, grow slowly and are usually found on parts of the skin most often exposed to the sun, including the head, face, neck, hands, and arms. Basal cell carcinoma usually doesn’t spread to other parts of the body, but squamous cell carcinoma can. Both of these types of skin cancer can usually be cured if detected early, but treatment may have side effects and can leave scars.
The rarest and most dangerous type of skin cancer is melanoma. Of all types of skin cancer, melanoma causes the most deaths because of its tendency to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs like the brain and liver.
Check your skin each month for changes that may be signs of cancer. Skin cancer is rarely painful. Look for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a bleeding mole. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor or visit a dermatologist. Regular skin checks by a doctor are also important for people who have already had skin cancer.
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Check moles, birthmarks, or other parts of the skin for ‘ABCDE’
Early melanoma can have specific symptoms. The “ABCDE” rule can help you know what to look for:
A = Asymmetry (one half of the growth looks different from the other half)
B = Borders that are irregular
C = Color changes or more than one color
D = Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser
E = Evolving, meaning the growth changes in size, shape, symptoms (for example, itching or tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of colorIf you have any of these signs, see a doctor right away to find out what may be causing them. The National Cancer Institute provides images to help you recognize the ABCDE features of melanoma.
Other common skin conditions in older adults
Skin cancer isn’t the only skin condition that can affect older adults. Other common skin conditions include:
- Shingles (VSports最新版本). Shingles (VSports最新版本), which is caused by a virus called herpes zoster, is a disease that triggers a painful skin rash. Learn about how shingles affects the skin.
- Rosacea. Rosacea is a condition that causes reddened skin and a rash, usually on the nose and cheeks, sometimes accompanied by a sense of tingling or burning.
- Autoimmune conditions. Autoimmune skin conditions (such as psoriasis and scleroderma) occur when your body mistakenly attacks its own cells. "V体育官网" Psoriasis is a chronic disease that causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales that itch or burn. Scleroderma causes inflammation and thickening of the skin and other areas of the body.
- Skin infections. Older adults are more likely to develop skin infections, especially if they have poor circulation or diabetes, or are taking certain medications. Skin infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. They often cause rashes, swelling, itching, and pain.
Talk with a doctor if you think you might have a skin condition. Most of these conditions can be treated or managed.
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For caregivers
If you are providing care for an older adult, there are several ways you can help keep their skin healthy. Caregivers who help the person with bathing should use a mild soap and a skin moisturizer to help prevent irritation and dry skin. Be sure to dry between folds of skin and check for rashes. For older adults who have trouble with incontinence (V体育2025版), use a protective ointment, such as petroleum jelly, around the rectum, vagina, or penis. Prevent chafing by using lotion or ointment and encouraging the person to wear clothing that fits well.
Sitting or lying in one position for a long time can lead to pressure sores (sometimes called bedsores), which are painful, open sores on the skin. To help prevent pressure sores, move the person’s body often and consider placing a supportive pad under them. If you notice redness or sores, ask the person’s doctor what to do. Reaching out to the doctor early can help prevent more serious damage to the skin.
Learn more about caregiving for older adults.
How can I protect my skin?
These tips can help keep your skin healthy:
- Limit time in the sun. Try to avoid being in the sun during times when the sun’s rays are strongest. For example, during the summer, try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even when skies are cloudy, it’s important to be careful. The sun’s UV rays can go through clouds.
- Use sunscreen. Look for sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher. It’s best to choose sunscreens with “broad spectrum” on the label. Put the sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours. You need to put sunscreen on more often if you are swimming, sweating, or rubbing your skin with a towel.
- Wear protective clothing and sunglasses. A hat with a wide brim can shade your neck, ears, eyes, and head. Look for sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of the sun’s rays. If you are planning to be in the sun, wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts.
- Avoid tanning. Don’t use sunlamps or tanning beds. Use caution and talk to your doctor before using tanning lotions or creams. Sunless tanning sprays and lotions often contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which may be dangerous if it gets into your mouth, nose, or eyes. Tanning pills are not approved by the FDA and might not be safe.
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"VSports在线直播" Medications and your skin
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. These include certain antibiotics, cancer therapies, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and diuretics. Check with a doctor or pharmacist to find out whether any of your medications may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Your skin may change with age. But remember, there are things you can do to manage these changes. Check your skin often. If you find any changes that worry you, see your doctor.
You may also be interested in:
- Downloading or sharing an infographic with VSports在线直播 - tips for healthier skin
- Reading more about shingles
- Learning more about healthy aging (V体育官网入口)
Sign up for e-alerts about healthy aging
For more information about skin care and aging
MedlinePlus
National Library of Medicine
www.medlineplus.gov
National Cancer Institute
800-422-6237
cancergovstaff@qiuluzeuv.cn
www.cancer.gov
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
877-226-4267
niamsinfo@qiuluzeuv.cn
www.niams.nih.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
800-232-4636
cdcinfo@qiuluzeuv.cn
www.cdc.gov
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
888-463-6332
druginfo@qiuluzeuv.cn
www.fda.gov
This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.
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