Today’s post on how not to irritate your aging skin was written by Cora Gold—a skincare and beauty writer, as well as the editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She knows her stuff when it comes to caring for aging skin. Enjoy, darlings!

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It’s normal for the skin to be vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and wrinkles as you age. The key to living more confidently during your mature years is fully embracing these changes as a natural biological process. However, you can ease some of these concerns by learning the top skin aggravators and how to offset them. Here are seven factors you may not realize are irritating your aging skin. 

Read Honey’s recent story on the best moisturizers for women over 50. and one of her most popular posts, Best Brows After 50 (and How to Get Them).

These Factors Could Be Irritating Your Aging Skin

1. Sun Exposure

It’s no secret that sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. What some people don’t realize is that it also contributes to wrinkles, sun spots, and discoloration. While you might think it’s too late to make up for the tanning days of your past, that’s not the case. 

Wearing sunscreen every day can prevent further discoloration and dehydration in your skin. Even if you’re not going to the beach, you need sunscreen, especially as your skin grows more sensitive with age.  

Use a brand with at least SPF 30 that says “broad-spectrum protection” on the label. This gives protection from both UVA and UVB, which can contribute to skin aging and irritation. 

How to you keep your skin calm? I would love to hear from you either on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or in the comments section below.

2. Sleep Deprivation May Be Irritating Your Mature Skin

There’s a good reason why dermatologists recommend “beauty sleep.” It turns out that lack of sleep can give rise to various skin problems. 

In a study, a day with only four hours of sleep led to decreased hydration and yellowness in the participants’ skin. Yellowness or sallow skin indicates the skin has lost its natural complexion. 

Sleep is essential for skin and overall health. Make it a priority to get 7-9 hours of sleep every day. 

Read these 3 ways to improve your sleep as a woman over 50.

3. Diet Could Be the Culprit to Poor Skin

The foods we eat have countless effects on our health, including our skin health. While skincare enthusiasts might say you must cut out sweets, dairy, gluten, and more, restriction is not the only solution. 

As you get older, dry, dehydrated skin is often the most significant problem you may face. Before you swear off your favorite foods, try adding healthy foods to your diet for balance. Fruits and vegetables that have high water percentages are the perfect place to start. You might know that cucumbers and watermelon have high water content, but some other great options include celery at 95% water, peppers at 94%, and strawberries at 91%. From there, you can decide if you want to reduce your dairy and sugar intake to see more results. 

4. Over-Exfoliation Will Irritate Your Aging Skin

Exfoliation is an essential beauty care step. It removes the top, flaky layer of the skin to reveal a new and radiant layer. Some think doing it daily can maintain the youthful shine on the skin’s surface, but that can cause more harm than good. 

Avoid scrubbing your body or face too frequently or vigorously, as it can irritate the face, especially if you have a sensitive type. Give your skin a break for a few days before exfoliating again. Better yet, get your skin checked by your dermatologist and get recommendations on how frequently you can safely retexturize your skin.

Read Cora’s tips here on how to care for menopausal and premenopausal skin.

5. Using the Wrong Products

CAUDALIE Premier Cru The Rich Cream, La Mer The Cleansing Gel, Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40

There are suitable products and ingredients for every skin type, so knowing whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin is essential. Visit your doctor for an evaluation if you need to know which category your skin belongs to. 

You could be using oil-based moisturizer and sunblock, but you have a greasy type. In this case, you only worsen the condition. If you have dry skin, look for products with oils. They stop the water underneath the skin from evaporating and optimally hydrate it. 

Additionally, you want to use ingredients that solve your particular skin problems. For instance, retinol can address acne and breakouts, as well as smooth textured skin. Hyaluronic acid can reduce the lines and wrinkles on mature skin.

6. Not Washing Before Sleeping

Even if you don’t wear makeup during the day, dust and dirt can accumulate on your face and body and cause skin problems later on. Remember to wash your face or take a quick shower before hitting the bed. 

Doing so will prevent the transfer of bacteria or germs to your pillows and beddings as you lay on them every single night. It’s recommended to wash your face in the morning and at night. Avoid overwashing, as you might end up stripping away natural oils that lock in the moisture in your skin. Honey loves this hydrating cleansing gel by La Mer.

7. Lifestyle

Lifestyle plays a significant role in skin health and you may not realize actions you take that may be irritating your aging skin. If you smoke, drink alcohol, tan your skin regularly, and eat processed foods, the expensive skincare products you use will not give you a better skin condition. Glowing skin begins on the inside, so strive to create a better lifestyle for your health. 

Exercising can keep your body healthy and increase circulation, which is great for your skin. Proper hygiene, like showering regularly, can keep dirt and products from building up in wrinkled or textured skin. This will help prevent rashes and irritation. And again, nutrition is essential in maintaining happy, healthy skin as you age.  

Take Control of Your Skin Health as You Age

As we age, our skin will inevitably show signs of the many wonderful years we’ve lived. Skin becomes more sensitive over time, so it’s important to do your best to care for it. Consider these seven factors that may be irritating to your skin, and nourish your beautiful complexion. 

Author bio: Cora Gold is a skincare and beauty writer, as well as the editor at women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.