Summer Skin Care for Baby-Boomers

As a generation who grew up largely unaware of the dangers our environment, common toxins, and various lifestyle choices pose for the skin, many Baby-Boomers are now realizing that as we age, we are more prone to dry and itchy skin, bruising, wrinkles, age spots, skin tags, and abnormal moles. These changes stem from our inability to retain sufficient hydration, long-term sun damage, smoking, the natural loss of collagen, various medications, and, of course, illness. As a result, many of us are beginning to show our age.

And while much of the damage we’ve incurred through the years can’t be erased — except, perhaps through various surgical procedures now offered — there is much that can be done to preserve our current quality of skin and prevent further, unnecessary damage. And with summer quickly approaching, we of the Baby-Boomer generation may want to consider in advance what we expose our skin to this summer season.

Here are some common-sense tips on how to care for aging skin:

> Avoid daily showers or baths.

Regardless of what benefits you may derive from staying clean, there is such a thing as keeping the skin too clean. The skin is designed to secrete a selection of natural oils intended to keep the skin pliant and supple. Daily showers can rob the skin of essential oils, resulting in dry skin. This summer, opt for an alternating shower schedule utilizing a gentle cleaning using a moisturizing soap or detergent-free cleanser that doesn’t need to be rinsed off. You’ll be surprised how revitalizing some of these products can be, and how much better your skin will feel.

> Moisturize daily.

Daily moisturizing during the summer months is essential for aging skin.  Seek out advanced skin-care products formulated to nourish the skin from the outside in; products containing amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that can make the skin stronger and more resilient.

> Take precautions to void physical injuries.

While many injuries cannot be avoided — accidents just seem to jump out at us sometimes — be cognitive of situations that can potentially tear the skin or expose it to caustic substances. When the skin is broken, take immediate steps to clean and bandage even small wounds.  If your lifestyle routinely exposes you to potentially dangerous situations, consider using a “barrier” product that contains protectants like dimethicone, silicone, or zinc oxide. These chemicals can help you sustain less damage.

> Protect your skin from the sun.

Okay, so you’re a sun child–you love the sun!  You find it exhilarating and rejuvenating!  But the fact remains, much of the damage your skin has sustained throughout your life is due to sun exposure. Give this serious consideration. Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats to shield the face (the face is the first area to betray years of sun abuse), and sun screen on your arms (the arms are prime locations for the development of skin cancer).

> Be aware of the relationship between skin care and diabetes.

If your doctor hasn’t already informed you, diabetics are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, as well as itchy skin. This means that your skin is doubly receptive to damaging environmental factors, so be sure to take reasonable precautions around the home and out under the sun.

> Avoid antibacterial soaps.

For all the good antibacterial soaps may do, they are far too harsh for many skin types, and can be especially destructive to aging, Baby-Boomer skin. Astringents, products that contain alcohol, and those with high pH can damage older skin and actually speed up the aging process. This extends also to popular antibacterial hand soaps (which many studies have found dangerous to begin with).