Skin care over the years: simple everyday habits

General information, not medical advice. If you have a rash, a spot that changes, or itching that does not settle, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.

Skin changes with us. Over the years many people find it drier, thinner and quicker to bruise, and more sensitive to soaps, heat or rough fabrics. None of this calls for a complicated routine. This page gathers simple habits drawn from public health and dermatology sources: washing gently, moisturizing at the right moment, protecting your skin from the sun, keeping indoor air comfortable, and knowing when a spot deserves a professional look.

We do not review creams that promise to change how your skin looks, and we do not rank brands. The aim is everyday comfort, and clear cues for when to ask for help.

Why skin often gets drier with age

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains that with age the outer layer of the skin gets thinner, paler and less stretchy, and that blood vessels become more fragile, so bruises happen more easily. Many older adults develop dry patches, often on the lower legs, elbows and lower arms. These patches can itch and feel rough or scaly.

The NIA adds that hot baths and showers, or using too much soap, antiperspirant or perfume, can make dry skin worse. Some medicines and health conditions can also play a part, which is one reason to mention persistent dryness or itching to your doctor.

Gentle washing: warm water, fragrance-free products

A few small changes in the bathroom often make a difference to comfort:

• Keep it warm, not hot, and short. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests limiting baths and showers to five to ten minutes in warm water.
• Choose mild, fragrance-free products. The NIA recommends mild soap; the AAD notes that some products, such as deodorant soaps, can be too harsh for dry, sensitive skin.
• Pat, don’t rub. Dry off by gently patting your skin with a clean towel.
• Skip bath oil in the tub. The NIA points out that it can make the tub slippery and raise the risk of falling.

If getting in and out of the bath has become tricky, a non-slip mat and a grab bar are worth discussing with family or an occupational therapist.

Moisturizing without a complicated routine

The AAD suggests applying a fragrance-free moisturizer right after bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp, and again whenever your skin feels dry, for example after washing your hands. For very dry skin, the AAD mentions creams or ointments. Lip balm or petroleum jelly can help with dry lips.

There is no need for a shelf of products. One plain, fragrance-free moisturizer that you like and actually use is enough for most people. If you are unsure which product suits your skin, a pharmacist, your doctor or a dermatologist can help you choose.

Sun protection all year round

The NIA explains that UV light from the sun damages skin cells over time, and that anyone, of any skin color, can get skin cancer, with older adults and people with fair skin that freckles easily at greatest risk. Simple habits recommended by the NHS and the AAD include:

• Seek shade when the sun is strongest (the NHS cites 11am to 3pm in the UK, from March to October).
• Cover up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Use sunscreen labeled broad spectrum with an SPF of 30 or higher, as the NHS and the AAD suggest, and reapply it (the NHS suggests every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating if the label says so).
• Don’t rely on sunscreen alone. The NHS reminds readers that sunscreen works best together with shade and clothing.

These habits matter on a cloudy day, in the garden, on a walk, or while driving with the sun on one arm.

Indoor air, clothing and heat at home

Heated indoor air in winter can feel very dry. The NIA and the AAD both mention a humidifier as one option; if you use one, clean it regularly as the manufacturer says. The AAD also suggests loose cotton clothing, since tight clothes and fabrics such as wool or polyester can irritate dry, sensitive skin, and gloves for washing dishes or gardening.

Very hot rooms, electric blankets and sitting close to a heater can also dry the skin. A comfortable, moderate temperature is usually kinder.

Keeping an eye on your skin: when to see a professional

The NIA suggests checking your skin each month and looking for changes such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t go away, or a bleeding mole. The NHS advises seeing a GP if a mole changes size, shape or color. A partner, friend or a hand mirror can help with your back and other hard-to-see areas.

Also talk to your doctor if itching is strong, lasts, keeps you awake, or comes with a rash, or if you notice bruises that you cannot explain. Skin cancer is rarely painful, the NIA notes, so a change is worth checking even if it does not hurt.

How we write these pages

We summarize public sources in plain language and list them below. We do not give diagnoses or personal advice, and we do not recommend products as a way to change your skin.

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Frequently asked questions

Sources

• NIA, Skin Care and Aging (checked 03/10/2026)
• American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin (checked 03/10/2026)
• NHS, Sunscreen and sun safety (checked 03/10/2026)
• NHS, Moles (checked 03/10/2026)