Sunscreen facts
Adults and the elderly
- Sunscreen practices applied in youth and middle age should continue in elderly years.
- Persons with dry skin should select creams or moisturizers with an SPF of 15 or higher.
- Natural processes in aging skin include a decline in the skin's ability to repair damage produced by sun exposure due to a less effective immune system in the skin.
- Cumulative photo damage results in thin, damaged skin that will worsen as more sun damage continues--sunscreen those rays!
- The skin is less effective at sweating and cooling; elderly persons should wear regular lightweight, tightly woven clothing covering exposed surfaces, and should plan activities when the sun is not directly overhead and the air is cooler.
- Most elderly people get enough vitamin D from exposure to UVRs; concerned individuals should consider vitamin D supplements.