How to hydrate aging skin
As we age, particularly in our 60s and 70s, our skin starts to become noticeably dryer and dehydrated. Dryness isn’t the only issue our skin faces though, as it becomes weaker and thinner looking too, making it more susceptible to injury and damage, which in turn can increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While issues like hyperpigmentation can go away in time without treatment, skin dryness really does need to be addressed via a thorough skincare routine and by properly looking after your skin as you age.
Why does skin get dry as we age?
There are a number of factors which lead to our skin becoming dryer as we age. Firstly, our skin starts to produce fewer natural oils which help to naturally moisturise and protect our skin. Our skin has also been subjected to an increasing level of sun damage as we age, which dries and weakens it over time, and with a decreased level of cell renewal our skin cannot recover as well as it did when we were younger.
With thinner, weaker skin that is unable to sufficiently moisturise itself naturally or regenerate cells at a fast enough rate, we end up with skin that is dryer, itchier, flakier, more easily irritated, blotchier, more susceptible to skin infections and more likely to develop age spots, wrinkles and creases.
How to hydrate aging skin
To keep your skin hydrated and to prevent dryness as you age, you need to take action. Below are some of the best ways to take care of your skin and keep it hydrated as you age.
Natural skincare products
A thorough and consistent skincare routine is one of the best ways to prevent skin from dehydrating or drying out. At Epara, we use natural ingredients in our skincare products which are ideal for keeping aging skin hydrated. Natural oils such as Argan Oil, Moringa Oil and Apricot Kernel Oil are used in products like our Natural Cleansing Oil and we avoid using any irritants such as fruit acids and parabens.
Cleansing oil should be used every day by rubbing it into your hands and then massaging into your face, then massaging some water into your face before removing it with a warm cloth. Combine this with our Hydrating Serum which uses natural ingredients such as Onopordum Acanthium Flower and Licorice Root Extract, followed by our Moisturising Face Cream to trap in moisture and leave your skin feeling wonderfully hydrated.
Use a humidifier
Whether you’re using an air conditioner in the summer or have your heating on all through the winter, you need to ensure you maintain optimum humidity levels to prevent your skin from drying out. Indoor humidity should remain between 45% - 60% so a humidifier with a built in hygrometer can help you to maintain humidity levels.
Sun protection
As previously mentioned, sun damage is one of the biggest contributing factors to dry, dehydrated skin, which gets worse as you get older and your skin becomes thinner. Using sun protection such as sun cream is essential for keeping skin hydrated, and seeking shady spots to sit outside will also do wonders for skin hydration!
Healthy diet
There’s no denying that a bad diet can negatively affect our appearance, and the skin is no exception. Drinking too much caffeine or alcohol will damage your skin, but by ensuring you drink plenty of water, cut down on fats and carbohydrates and eat fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, you can benefit from rejuvenated and hydrated skin.
Exfoliate weekly
You have to be careful with exfoliation, because over exfoliating can actually damage the skin’s natural moisture barrier, but exfoliating can help to rejuvenate the skin by removing dead skin cells, allowing the moisturising skin care products you use to penetrate the skin better.
What is the best face cream for dry aging skin?
At Epara Skincare, we have created a Moisturising Face Cream using only natural ingredients which is designed to promote healthier skin. The natural oils and other ingredients in our face cream tackle dry, dehydrated skin without the risk of irritating the skin by using acidic or unnatural ingredients.