Skin and Sun Care After 60: A Simple Daily Routine

A simple routine

Keep it gentle and consistent.

• Wash with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser
• Moisturise while skin is damp
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin
• Wear a hat and light long sleeves in strong sun
• Drink water through the day

Sun, vitamin D and balance

Some sunlight helps your body make vitamin D, but sunburn raises skin cancer risk. Short, sensible exposure and protection during peak hours is the balance.

Check your skin

Once a month, look over your skin for new or changing moles, sores that do not heal or scaly patches. See a doctor promptly if you notice any.

Skin cancer: what to look for

Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas usually appear on sun-exposed areas as pearly bumps, red scaly patches or sores that do not heal. Melanoma, less common but more serious, often arises in a mole that changes: look for asymmetry, an irregular border, uneven colour, a diameter larger than six millimetres, or evolution. Ask someone to check your back and scalp. A dermatologist can examine suspicious spots. Most skin cancers are treatable when found early.

Do not ignore a sore that will not heal.

Hands, feet and nails

Hands and feet show age early. Moisturise hands after washing, wear gloves for cleaning and gardening, and use sunscreen on the backs of hands. Check feet daily for cracks, blisters, fungal infection or sores, especially with diabetes. Wash and dry between toes, trim nails straight across and wear well-fitting shoes. See a podiatrist for corns, thick nails or ulcers. Healthy feet keep you walking.

Fungal nail infections are common and treatable.

Skin and hydration, medicines and diet

Some medicines make skin more sensitive to sun, such as certain antibiotics, diuretics and anti-inflammatories. Steroid creams and tablets can thin skin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects on the skin. Drink enough fluids, and use a humidifier in dry weather. Eat protein, vitamin C and healthy fats. If skin is itchy without a rash, mention it to your doctor, since it can sometimes signal kidney, liver or thyroid problems.

Gentle care and early checks keep skin healthy.

Skin care for people who are bed-bound or incontinent

Skin breaks down quickly when it is damp, pressed or rubbed. Keep the skin clean and dry, change incontinence products promptly and use barrier creams. Change position at least every two hours in bed and every hour in a chair, and use pressure-relieving cushions. Check heels, hips, sacrum and elbows daily for redness that does not fade. Keep bed linen smooth and dry.

Good nutrition and fluids support healing.

If a sore develops, see a nurse or doctor at once, as early treatment prevents serious wounds.

How skin changes with age

Skin becomes thinner and drier, produces less oil, repairs more slowly, loses collagen and elastic fibres and bruises more easily. Years of sun exposure show as pigmentation, wrinkles and roughness. Itching, particularly in winter, is common. Skin tags, benign growths and age spots are usually harmless, but any new or changing lesion needs checking because skin cancer rises with age.

A gentle daily routine

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser; avoid hot showers and harsh soaps. Pat dry and apply a moisturiser within three minutes, while the skin is damp. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on face, neck, hands and any exposed area daily, and reapply after sweating or swimming. Wear a hat, sunglasses and loose cotton clothing. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet with healthy fats and vitamin C.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for a mole that changes in size, shape or colour, a sore that does not heal in four weeks, a scaly or crusty patch, new itchy rash or persistent dryness. Skin tears and slow-healing leg ulcers need care. Shingles, which causes a painful blistering rash on one side, needs urgent treatment; vaccination can reduce the risk. Use a mirror or ask a family member to check the back and scalp every few months.

Common skin problems in later life

Dry skin and itching, eczema, fungal infections in folds, pressure sores in those who are bed-bound, shingles, bruising, skin tears, leg ulcers and skin cancers all become more common. Keep skin clean and moisturised, treat infections promptly, protect against sun and check regularly. For leg swelling and ulcers, see a doctor, as circulation problems may be the cause.

Skin care and diet

A balanced diet with protein, fruit and vegetables, healthy fats and plenty of fluids supports skin repair. Vitamin C and zinc help wound healing. If appetite is poor, discuss supplements with your doctor. Avoid smoking, which speeds skin ageing. Gentle massage after bathing improves comfort and circulation.