Skin Care After 65
Healthy skin = comfort + cancer prevention.
Senior skin changes
- Thinner — bruises easier.
- Drier — produces less oil.
- Slower healing — small cuts last longer.
- More fragile — bandaid removal can tear skin.
- Sun damage from past shows now (spots, growth).
- Most skin cancer in 60s-80s.
Daily routine
- Lukewarm showers — hot water dries skin.
- 5-10 min showers max.
- Mild soap (Dove, Cerave) — not antibacterial.
- Pat dry, don't rub.
- Moisturize within 3 minutes of shower.
- Cetaphil, Cerave, Aveeno = senior-friendly brands.
Sun protection still matters
- SPF 30+ daily — face, neck, hands.
- EltaMD, La Roche-Posay = dermatologist favorites.
- Wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
- UPF 50 long-sleeve shirts (Coolibar brand).
- Reapply every 2 hours outdoors.
- Skin checks annually with dermatologist (Medicare covers).
Watch for skin cancer
- Asymmetry — one side different.
- Borders — irregular, ragged.
- Color — multiple colors in one spot.
- Diameter — bigger than pencil eraser.
- Evolving — changing size/shape.
- Sore that won't heal in 3+ weeks.
- See dermatologist immediately if any.
Free skin checks
American Academy of Dermatology runs SPOT Skin Cancer free screening events. AAD.org/spot to find one. Your spouse can do monthly mole map photos with phone — same spot, same lighting. Apple/Google Photos auto-organize by date.