Your Skin Care Priorities at 50 Years and Older

As people get older, their skin care needs naturally evolve due to the aging process. Those past the age of 50 are especially vulnerable to environmental threats like UV light and pollution. If you'd like to keep your skin healthy in your autumn years, these simple tips will work wonders.

Try to Minimize Your Sunlight Exposure

The ability of your skin to withstand the punishment of UV rays diminishes rapidly over time as you hit retirement age. The general rule is that the longer you live, the more likely you are to develop skin cancer at some point.

Eat a Balanced Diet Rich in Vitamins

Eating well is important for seniors since their skin drastically loses collagen over time. Foods loaded with vitamin B, vitamin C, potassium and folic acid are musts. Artichoke hearts, strawberries, blackberries, soy and citrus fruits are excellent sources of these substances.

Ditch Habits That Harm Your Skin

Lousy life habits have increasingly detrimental effects on skin as you get older. Smoking in particular is a major cause of psoriasis, deep wrinkles and bags under the eyes. Lack of quality sleep and sugary foods are also bad for your skin.

Take Supplements with Essential Acids

Many older citizens take a variety of multivitamins for general health purposes. More seniors should focus on supplements that include azelaic acid, nonanedioic acid, hyaluronic acid and astaxanthin to promote stronger skin. These substances are easy to find at any health food store.

Apply Lycopene Cream to Damaged Skin

Lycopene is a fat-soluble carotenoid found in carrots, tomatoes and watermelons among other fruits. A lycopene cream applied to damaged older skin directly delivers this vital nutrient to the epidermal layer. When used regularly, lycopene cream can do wonders for skin ailments.

Scrape Off the Cruft Once in a While

Even well-maintained skin builds up a layer of gunk after a period of time without routine maintenance. Exfoliating on a regular basis is always a good idea for most seniors. Visiting a spa that specializes in exfoliation treatments sporadically can never hurt.

Develop a Balanced Exercise Regimen

Plenty of evidence suggests that regular exercise can improve your skin's health over time. As long as your exercise activities aren't too intensive, they'll ramp up collagen levels quickly without undue stress. A good cool-down period will ensure that a workout delivers results.

Healthy Senior Skin Is a Constant Effort

If you want good skin past the age of 50, a little planning and effort go a long way. Whether you're slamming supplements like azelaic acid and astaxanthin or just avoiding the sun intelligently, the little things add up to big results in the end.