How to take care of your skin when you're old

Studies have showed that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning damages the DNA in our skin cells and it also leads to premature skin aging in the form of wrinkles and sun spots.

Dermatologist Bethanee J. Schlosser said that its possible to have vibrant skin at any age, as long as you take steps to properly care for your skin and suggested that one should use mild, unscented and gentle skin care products year-round and that deodorant soaps, alcohol-based toners and products that contain fragrance can leave aging skin feeling irritated and dry.

The study also revealed that people should consider using an AHA or retinoid product: Products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoids can make your skin look younger. If you want to reduce the signs of aging, ask your dermatologist if a product that contains a retinoid, such as tretinoin, may be right for you. Also consider using products with antioxidants, as these may help repair and prevent further skin damage.

Regimens can also be tailored to minimize potential skin irritation.

One should also be gentle with acne-prone skin, and if one struggles with acne as an adult, use - and overuse - of anti-acne cleansers and products may irritate your skin. Consider switching to a mild cleanser with salicylic acid or sulfur.

Make sure all skin care products and cosmetics are labeled non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic or oil-free. In addition, wash gently, as scrubbing can further irritate the skin.