Protect your skin from harmful UV rays, make good lifestyle choices, use the right products, and know when to see your GP.
Sun protection and lifestyle choices for healthy skin
Sunburn and cumulative exposure to harmful UV rays can change your skin cell DNA, increasing your risk of melanoma (skin cancer) and premature signs of aging. So the best thing you can do for your skin (at any age) is follow the Cancer Council's advice:
- Slip on a shirt or layered clothing of choice
- Slop on sunscreen to all exposed skin
- Slap on a hat with a wide-brim to cover ears and neck
- Seek out shade, especially when the forecast is for very high or extreme UV levels
- Slide on your sunnies
Then you can start to nourish your skin from the inside out:
- Eat a nutritious and balanced diet to support collagen production, including fruits, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, avocado and fish.
- Avoid tanning beds, smoking, and exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke.
- Exercise regularly to keep oxygen and nutrients moving around to your skin.
Aging skin and special care
Skin begins to age much earlier than we realise. You may notice it first as fine lines or wrinkles. Aging skin can also become dry, itchy or thin, making it more prone to bruising and tearing as the years go by. Protect it with simple changes:
- Switch to fragrance-free gentle cleansers and moisturisers.
- Moisturise regularly, especially after washing.
- Drink plenty of water and limit alcohol and salt, as they can dehydrate your skin.
- Use products designed for mature skin.
Your local Capital Chemist pharmacist can help in-store with advice about which products will best suit your skin type and needs.
When to see your GP about aging skin
Skin so dry you cannot stop scratching
Older skin is more likely to tear and may also heal slower. So, if over-the-counter remedies are not helping reduce the dry or itchy sensations, please see your pharmacist or GP to reduce the likelihood of injury.
Unexplained bruises, or bruises that don’t heal
As we age healing takes longer, but it can also indicate a nutrition deficiency, medication side effect, or an underlying health condition, especially if you don't recall getting the bruise in the first place.
Changes to skin markings / Signs of skin cancer
Check skin marks (including moles, sunspots and birthmarks) for the ABCDEs and see your GP or skin care specialist if you notice:
- Asymmetry – one half of a growth that looks different to the other
- Borders – irregular edges
- Colour – most spots are a single colour; look out for those that are multiple colours
- Diameter – marks larger than the size of a pencil eraser
Evolving – changes in size, shape, surface or colour - especially any mark that begins to bleed, itch, or become tender to touch.
