Developing healthy habits from a young age helps reduce the risk of diseases, improves physical and mental health and boosts energy levels. It is crucial that as we get older, we develop and continue to maintain healthy lifestyle choices. We are here to provide you with the information to properly celebrate Healthy Aging Awareness Month.
Dry skin, itching, bruises, wrinkles, age spots, skin tags, skin cancer, and more can all happen to your skin as you get older. Your skin is the largest organ in the body, and it’s valuable to take the proper steps to keep your skin healthy.
Continue reading below to learn how to treat your skin as you age, and to optimize moments of your life to celebrate Healthy Aging Awareness Month.
HOW TO AGE HEALTHILY: SKIN CARE
Celebrate Healthy Aging Awareness Month by treating your skin to proper health care:
- Wear sunscreen. Apply sunscreen every day, rain or shine, winter or summer. There are different types of sunscreens you can use – between chemical and physical sunscreens. For optimal sun protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to minimize your risk of skin cancer, early skin aging, and sunburn. There are products on the market that provide UV protection close to 100 percent against the sun’s UV rays. To find out more on what ingredients to look out for, click here.
- Wash your face. The way you wash your face can affect your appearance. Wash with warm water and a mild cleanser; don’t use soap. It is recommended to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and before you go to bed. Make sure to clean your face thoroughly before falling asleep. Sleeping with makeup on clogs pores prevents the skin’s natural renewal process, and prematurely ages skin.
- Exfoliate. Exfoliation promotes healthy cell turnover and rejuvenate a dull complexion. Additional exfoliation benefits include the boost of blood circulation and lymph flow, reduction of fine lines, and brightening the appearance of devitalized skin. Use a gentle exfoliator twice a week for smooth, radiant skin. Do not use a washcloth to exfoliate because this can irritate the skin. Also, your neck, chest, and hands receive sun exposure. Help to avoid signs of aging and sun damage by exfoliating these areas regularly and applying sunscreen every day.
- Apply Eye Cream. Eye creams can help bring moisture to the dry, delicate skin around your eyes to reduce the appearance of aging. Apply eye cream with your ring finger to avoid pulling on the sensitive skin. The first signs of aging on the face often show in this area, so everyone can benefit from using an eye cream. Even if you’re younger, participation in preventive care now will keep your skin healthy for years.
- Keep It Room Temperature. Warm air can dry your skin out. To counteract the drying effect of indoor heating, put a humidifier in your bedroom. Likewise, sitting too close to a heat source can break down collagen, thin your skin, and cause premature aging. This is similar to the damage caused by UV exposure.
- Limit Sugar Intake. Overeating sugar can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. Sugar molecules break down collagen and elastin proteins in the skin through a process called glycation. Eat a balanced, healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods like spinach, beans, avocados, nuts, or coconut oil will give you natural energy. A healthy diet promotes healthy skin.
- Catch Some Zzz’s. Get your beauty sleep. Adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Sleeping in certain positions may lead to sleep lines, which can turn into deep-set wrinkles over time. Lay on your back to minimize these signs of aging. Sleep also gives your body time to refresh and renew itself.
- Annual Skin Checkup. Use September as Healthy Aging Month to be the time you set up your annual physical and other health screenings. Schedule a yearly checkup with your dermatologist. Annual exams will help detect skin cancer and other concerns in the early stages. When you have skin problems, you need to turn to a dermatologist who listens and responds. You need to see an experienced doctor who knows the field, and who can effectively diagnose and treat your needs. Go to a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. At The Dermatology Center for Skin Care, PLLC, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. Our staff meets all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.
LIVING A QUALITY LIFE
The importance of living a quality life goes hand-in-hand with figuring out your life purpose. Why do you get out of bed each morning? What is it during your day that you look forward to the most? How do you strive for personal growth and greatness? When you live a quality life, arguably, you are obtaining the most out of each and every moment as best as you can. Choosing healthy options and focusing on the positives do more than extend your life. It will make it more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.
Gain a positive perspective and be proactive with your health to encourage healthy aging. Here are some tips to get the most out of your life:
- Positive Attitude – People who maintain a positive and optimistic attitude are hopeful and see the best in situations, interactions as well as themselves. When you catch yourself complaining, change the conversation to something positive. A positive attitude can equip you better with the appropriate tools to cope during stressful situations.
- Age is Merely a Number – Age is only a number. Don’t let it define who you are, your personality, and your hobbies. Find your passion, start a new one, and live your life being excited to get out of bed each morning to do things that make you smile. Forget about your age; you’re alive, well, and breathing. Enjoy it!
- Be Proactive – Research different ways you can use your Health Insurance to take proactive steps in keeping healthy. You are entitled to many healthcare screenings as you get older; it’s essential to know which tests and screenings you need, based on your age and gender.
- Try Something New – It’s never too late to try something new. Take up a new hobby, learn a language, take a class, or join a book club or walking group. Focus on healthy aging by keeping your day-to-day exciting and fun.
- Embrace Your Creativity – We all have creativity, and we all like to express it in unique ways. Look into classes on painting, drawing, or pottery. If your artistic talents are limited, adult coloring books are a fun alternative.
- Surround Yourself With Supportive Loved Ones – Your mental health plays a vital role in healthy aging. No matter your age, though, it is valuable to surround yourself with supportive people who make you smile and laugh. Research shows that people who smile more are happier.
Take care of both your mental and physical well-being, as both are equally important to living a healthy lifestyle as you get older.
HEALTHY AGING AWARENESS MONTH
September is Healthy Aging Month, which gives national attention to focus on passions in life and the positive aspects of growing older. People come together to help one another be more aware of their physical and mental health, diet, social skills, and financial situations.
Healthy Aging Month encourages people over the age of 45 to take control of their overall well-being. The month is dedicated to celebrate the process of becoming older and to improve mental and physical health along the way.
It is easy to dwell on the negative stereotypes of aging, especially when your body is not working as well as it used to. However, it is never too late to start healthy habits and gradually improve every aspect of your life.
“We recognized early on that careful attention to the combination of physical, social, mental and financial fitness was powerful in the pursuit of a positive lifestyle and have built our Healthy Aging®programs around that concept for the government and private sector through this annual observance as well as TV specials, videos, books, printed material, our website and blogs…We are about vibrant, active, 45-plus people who are taking charge of their lives, following their passion, and who are happily looking forward to what’s next in life,” said Carolyn Worthinton, editor-in-chief of Healthy Aging Magazine and executive director of Healthy Aging.
Worthington, the creator of September being Healthy Aging® Month, says it provides inspiration and practical ideas for adults to improve their health.
“Use September as the motivation to take stock of where you’ve been, what you really would like to do if money was no object,” says Worthington. “And try it! Who says you have to do something related to what you studied in school? Who says you can’t become an entrepreneur, start your own home business later in life, test your physical prowess, or do something wildly different from anything you’ve done before? Only that person you see in the mirror!”
Thanks to advances in science and technology over the last 100 years, many can expect to live into their 80s or longer. Longevity has been an enormous blessing, but unfortunately, it means we have a higher chance of developing a chronic disease like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, or cancer.
Healthy Aging Month also provides an opportunity to be educated on the importance of healthy aging. It deepens the appreciation of ensuring our later years are lived in good health and to its fullest.
For more tips and ideas, see Healthy Aging® Magazine.
READY FOR AN APPOINTMENT? CONTACT THE DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH, PLLC TODAY!
If you have any questions regarding skin care, The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC has the answers for you. Click here to learn about the frequently asked questions our dermatologists receive about skin care.
With over 20 years of medical experience, the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC recognizes that your choice of a dermatologist is driven by both the doctor’s competency and personality. When searching for dermatological treatment, you need a dermatologist who is experienced, understanding, and supportive.
You get this caring attitude from all the staff at the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC every day. Our staff works together as a team to be sure we are responsive to your needs and keep you informed about your health issues and options. We look forward to getting to know you!
Topics: skin care, skin health, healthy aging awareness month
