Protecting the skin is important at all stages of life, but as a person ages, the skin becomes more delicate. Older adults are more susceptible to having skin issues, especially in the long, sunny and sweltering days of summer.

Staying out of the sun doesn’t mean sitting indoors with the blinds shut. It just means being more conscious about exposure to UV rays and keeping these skin care tips in mind before heading outside for summertime activities.

Sunscreen

This seems like a no-brainer but you’d be surprised how many people forgo the protection because they’re “not going to be in the sun for that long” or because they think the sun isn’t going to be an issue through hazy cloud cover.

Applying sunscreen is vital, no matter the weather. Sunburn, or any inflammation of the skin, becomes harder to heal as we get older. Certain cells in the body take longer to repair after the damage and this could lead to infection.

Apply sunscreen liberally, and reapply if you’re in the sun for longer than a couple of hours. This will help block those harmful rays.

Wear Protective Clothing

Shielding your skin from the sun doesn’t just stop at sunscreen. The sun can still sneak up on you and find spots where you’ve missed with sunscreen. If you’re going to be in the sun for substantial periods of time, wear long sleeves and breathable shirts and pants. Bring along a hat and sunglasses to cover your head and face. If you’ve forgotten protective clothing, don’t be afraid to wrap a towel around any exposed areas.

Beware of Chlorine

Chlorine is known to cause premature aging of the skin for younger people and can lead to lasting damage for older adults. The chemical strips the skin of natural oils, causing it to dry and crack. This leads to irritations and advanced aging. According to the New York Department of Health, even minimal exposure to chlorine can be harmful over time. Taking hot showers opens your pores and allows the chlorine to sink even deeper into the skin. Right after your swim, go straight to the shower and rinse off with soap and cool water.

Be mindful of the amount of time you spend in the pool. Since chlorine strips your skin of natural oils–you need to take care of your skin to prevent dryness. Right after your swim, go straight to the shower and rinse off with soap and water. If your skin is sensitive, there are swimmer specific body washes that neutralize chlorine. When moisturizing, look for products high in antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C–which help neutralize the chlorine.

Read the Labels

Sometimes we buy products that we assume are helping us block harmful rays or are keeping the skin moisturized and protected. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case.

Many lotions, sunblocks, soaps and moisturizers contain chemicals that are just as damaging to the skin as the sun. Chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate are often found in sunscreen. Older adults with sensitive skin should opt for exfoliants that are not too rough or grainy. These tend to further irritate the skin.

Also, be mindful of expiration dates. Just like food or drugs, lotions and sunblocks can go bad. If you can’t find a date on the product, but know it’s been in the beach bag for longer than a few summers, it’s best to toss them and buy new sunblock.

It’s Never Too Late

As you age, it’s more important than ever to keep skin care in mind. Don’t assume it’s too late to worry about wrinkles or dry skin or the effect of the sun. Taking measures now can help prevent any further damage. Skin care is just as important now as it was in your teens. So, slather on the sunblock, toss on the shades, and get out in the world.