Healthy Aging

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Aging Skin

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When it comes to our skin, many of us are more concerned with wrinkles, sun spots, and other signs of aging, than skin cancer. But skin cancer is a serious concern. It is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Research indicates that 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. Luckily, it's easy to manage concerns about signs of aging and skin cancer at the same time. The best way to prevent signs of aging is also the best way to prevent skin cancer: Protect yourself from the sun.

But what about promises of instant youth in a jar? Experts say that over-the-counter creams and lotions can help ease dry skin — which is more common as you age — but they can't turn back time.

Prescription creams, chemical peels, laser treatments, Botox, and other cosmetic procedures are being used to treat sunspots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. But results vary and some treatments remain unproven. These treatments also don't prevent further damage. So for now, to ward off future signs of aging and lower your risk of skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun when its rays are strongest — between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Use sunscreen that has a high SPF number (15 or higher). It should also protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Experts recommend using sunscreen daily, year-round — especially on your face.
• If you're out in the sun for a long time, protect your ears and scalp with a hat. For extra body protection, wear lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Basic Information — Skin Cancer — This fact sheet briefly describes the major types of skin cancer and who is at risk.

   http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/

2.   Fact Sheet — Varicose Veins and Spider Veins — This publication provides information about varicose and spider veins, including the cause, potential dangers, how to prevent getting them, and how they are treated.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/varicose-spider-veins.cfm

3.   Skin Aging — Your skin changes as you age. You might notice wrinkles, age spots and dryness. Your skin also becomes thinner and loses fat, making it less plump and smooth. It might take longer to heal, too. This site is a general source of information regarding aging skin.

   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/skinaging.html

4.   Skin Care and Aging — Americans spend billions of dollars each year on skin care products that promise to erase wrinkles, lighten age spots, and eliminate itching, flaking, or redness. But the simplest and cheapest way to keep your skin healthy and young looking is to stay out of the sun. This article discusses ways in which the sun can damage your skin.

   http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/skin.htm

5.   What You Need To Know About Skin Cancer — This booklet on skin cancer discusses risk factors for and ways to lower risk of skin cancer. It also provides an overview of symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor. It also shows how to do a skin self-exam.

   http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/skin

Organizations

1.   National Institute on Aging Information Center, NIA, NIH, HHS
2.   National Institute on Aging, NIH, HHS
3. American Academy of Dermatology
4. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 5, 2009.