A Dermatologist Recommended Skin Care Routine for Your 60s

As you get older, your skin changes. You may have noticed that your skin is drier, thinner, and takes more time to heal. While you can’t stop these changes entirely, a good skin care routine can keep your skin healthy and prevent major issues. Since your skin is the largest organ you have, it’s important to take good care of it. In some cases, it may make sense to see a dermatologist. Most people are able to adjust their skincare routine to meet their needs as they age. If you are experiencing issues beyond the ordinary, you may choose to see a dermatologist.

Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in skin care and health. The American Academy of Dermatology shares a number of resources, including dermatologist recommended skin care routines for people in their 60s. In this guide, we’ll explain how your skin changes as you age and provide a skin care routine for people in their 60s (or older)! 

Key takeaways:

• Skin undergoes many changes as you age that makes taking care of your skin even more important.

• Dermatologists recommend cleaning, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun.

• Some products, like serums, oils, and creams, can reduce the signs of aging, but they cannot prevent it. 

How skin changes as we age

As you get older, you may notice a lot of changes in your body. People often talk about the aches and pains that become more common due to age. Wrinkles are another popular topic of conversation—but wrinkles aren’t the only change you’ll notice in your skin. As you age, your skin becomes thinner and doesn’t look as smooth and full as it did when you were younger. Because of thinning skin, veins and bones can become more visible. Cuts and bruises may happen more often, and they can also take longer to heal. Finally, dry skin, including dry spots that feel scaly, can occur more often. 

While you can’t turn back time, you can take all the right steps to make sure your skin is healthy and protected. Below are a few things you can do to keep your skin looking good:

• Drink plenty of water to prevent dry skin 

• Limit time in the sun to avoid damage

• Consider getting a humidifier if the air in your home is dry

• Avoid smoking

• Reassess your skin care routine

Dermatologist recommended skin care for people in their 60s

Your skin care routine is one obvious way to maintain your skin’s health. Below, we summarize tips to craft a dermatologist approved skin care routine for people who are 60 or older. Remember though, that everyone’s skin is different, so what works for your friend may not work for you! 

If you’re having trouble maintaining your skin’s health, consider seeing a dermatologist to get a personalized routine. Medicare covers visits to a dermatologist if your visit is medically necessary. Your visit may be considered medically necessary if you’re experiencing a skin condition, like psoriasis, or you need a skin cancer screening. 

Now, let’s dive into our tips for skin care in your 60s! 

1. Start with cleaning

The most basic part of any skin care routine starts with cleaning your skin. It’s generally recommended to use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t have added fragrances or strong chemicals. These elements can irritate skin, and as we age our skin is more sensitive. While many people enjoy a long, hot shower, keep these experiences to a minimum. Hot water can remove your skin’s natural oils and cause dryness. Taking a long shower can also cause your skin to dry out! It’s worth noting that, if you have a pool, hot tub, or other water access, you should make sure to wash your skin after you’ve finished with water activities. You may also need to moisturize extra.

Here are a few other quick tips to make sure your skin feels great after cleaning:

• Use a soft washcloth when you wash your skin, not a tough bath brush.

• Don’t dry off all the water from your skin when you get out of the bath. A small amount can help keep your skin moist.

• Wash your face every day with a gentle cleanser, even if you don’t take a bath or shower. The oils that build up on your face can cause problems.

2. Make sure to moisturize

Your skin is going to feel drier as you age, which makes moisturizing even more important! It’s especially important to moisturize after cleaning your skin, because a lot of your body’s natural oils may have been stripped away. Keeping your skin moisturized can help prevent dry spots, reduce the effects of light scratches, and prevent damage.

• Consider ointments or creams if your skin is feeling dry. These products can provide more moisture!

• Just like with cleansers, avoid those with added fragrances.

• Try moisturizers with hyaluronic acid as an added ingredient. It helps draw moisture into the skin.

3. Protect your skin from the sun

Sun protection is important at every age, but it becomes increasingly important as you age. Most skin cancer diagnoses are given to people 65 and older! Thinner skin is more likely to burn. Also, if you do experience skin damage caused by the sun, it will take longer for your skin to heal. Below are some  tips to avoid sun damage to your skin. 

• Try to stay indoors from 10AM-2PM. This is when the sun is the strongest.

• Wear clothing that covers your whole body, including lightweight, long-sleeve shirts, pants, and a hat with a brim. Sunglasses can also protect your eyes! 

• Any skin you cannot cover with clothing should be covered in waterproof sunscreen that’s 30 SPF or higher.

• Don’t visit tanning beds or use sunlamps. They can accelerate the aging process and increase your risk of skin cancer. Spray tans are okay!

• Don’t forget your lips!. Lip balms with sunscreen are the best way to protect your lips from the sun.

4. Go a step further with exfoliants, toners, and serums

The above steps are your basic, essential ways to maintain healthy skin as you age. Other products, like exfoliators, toners, and serums, aren’t as important, but may help keep your complexion smooth and even reduce the signs of aging skin. 

Exfoliants help remove dead skin, which can help prevent clogged pores and even out your complexion. Make sure not to use them too often—it’s generally recommended to use them only 1-2 times each week. You should also make sure your exfoliation method isn’t too harsh! If you experience redness, peeling, or increased sensitivity to other products you’re using you may be over-exfoliating. Avoid coarse products, like apricot scrubs, that can even cause micro tears in your skin. 

Toners are used to remove skin cells and irritants that remain after you wash your face. They should be matched to your skin type. Look for toners that contain vitamins A, C, and/or E as well as salicylic acid, moisturizers, and hyaluronic acid.

There are a variety of serums, oils, and creams that can be used for different issues and types of skin. Anti-aging serums can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of age. That said, do your research to find anti-aging serums that work—and make sure to manage your expectations. These serums can help, but they won’t prevent the aging process. 

5. Make sure you’re using makeup that works with your skin type

Makeup can help even out skin tones and make us feel like our best selves. If you use makeup, you may wonder what types work best for senior skin. You might also be thinking about which types can help conceal aging. You should generally look for products that are designed for dry skin! Here are some additional tips.

• The most important part of any makeup routine is the prep stage. Make sure your skin is hydrated by using moisturizers before you apply any makeup.

• Makeup primer smooths out skin, including fine wrinkles, and makes makeup easier to apply. It also helps your makeup last longer.

• Liquid foundations are often better than powders. Powder foundations can dry out your skin and make wrinkles more visible.

• Blush is a good way to add more flush to your skin tone.

Putting it all together

The tips above can help keep your skin healthy and make you feel like your best self as you age. But keeping your skin healthy in your 60s goes beyond the surface! Your diet and habits can also affect your skin health. Make sure you stick to a nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid smoking. 

You may not have a regular dermatologist, and if you have no specific skin issues you may not need to see one on a regular basis. If you have any questions or concerns about skin changes, however, you should schedule an appointment with one. It’s especially important to look out for signs of skin cancer—especially since most skin cancer diagnoses occur in those 65 and older!