Skin Care After 60: Sun Protection and Dry Skin Tips
Skin becomes thinner and drier with age. Learn simple daily habits for comfort, how to protect your skin from the sun, and which changes to show your doctor.
The short version
- Dry, itchy skin is common with age and often improves with gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing.
- Daily sun protection matters year-round, including on cloudy days.
- Show your doctor any new, changing or non-healing spots on your skin.
In this guide
Skin changes with age. It tends to become thinner, drier and more delicate, and it may bruise or tear more easily. Most of these changes are normal, but a few simple habits can make your skin more comfortable and help protect it from damage.
Gentle cleansing
- Use lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can strip natural oils.
- Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser instead of harsh soaps.
- Keep showers and baths short, around 10 minutes.
- Pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.
Moisturize every day
Applying moisturizer within a few minutes of bathing helps lock in water. Thicker creams and ointments generally hold moisture better than thin lotions. Pay extra attention to areas that tend to get dry, such as the lower legs, elbows and hands.
During winter, indoor heating can dry the air. A humidifier in the bedroom may help.
Protect your skin from the sun
Sun exposure over many years contributes to wrinkles, age spots and other skin changes. Protection is worthwhile at any age.
Use sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for exposed skin. Reapply every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
Seek shade. Sunlight is typically strongest in the middle of the day, roughly 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cover up. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves add protection without sunscreen.
Remember cloudy days. UV rays can pass through clouds, and they reflect off water, sand and snow.
Check your medications. Some medicines make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Your pharmacist can tell you if any of yours do.
Itchy skin
Dry skin is a common cause of itching in older adults. Moisturizing, using gentle products and wearing soft, breathable fabrics may help. Persistent itching can sometimes be linked to other health issues or medications, so mention it to your doctor if it does not improve.
Bruising and skin tears
Thinner skin bruises and tears more easily. To lower the risk:
- Pad sharp furniture corners.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when gardening.
- Keep fingernails trimmed.
- Be careful when moving around in tight spaces.
Clean any skin tear gently and cover it with a non-stick dressing. Seek medical advice if it is large, bleeding heavily or shows signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth or swelling.
Check your skin regularly
Once a month, look over your skin, using a hand mirror or asking a partner to help with hard-to-see areas. Note any new growths or changes in existing spots.
Show your doctor anything that:
- Is new and growing
- Changes in size, shape or color
- Bleeds, itches or does not heal
- Looks different from your other spots
Many skin changes are harmless, but a doctor can tell you which ones need a closer look.
Support your skin from the inside
Drinking enough fluids, eating a varied diet, getting enough sleep and not smoking all support overall health, which shows up in your skin too.
