Why Your Shower Routine May Need to Change After 65

• Fragrance-free
• Gentle
• For sensitive or dry skin
• Moisturizing

And don’t assume that a product that smells wonderful is necessarily better for older skin.

Fragrance can irritate sensitive skin.

5. Scrubbing Hard Can Make Dry Skin Worse

Some people believe that the harder they scrub, the cleaner they become.

But your skin isn’t a dirty floor that needs to be scrubbed until it squeaks.

Aggressive scrubbing with rough washcloths, brushes, or exfoliating tools can irritate fragile, dry skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing gently and avoiding harsh scrubbing when the skin is dry or sensitive.

Use your hands or a soft cloth and gentle movements.

Cleanliness doesn’t require painful scrubbing.

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6. Moisturizer After a Shower Is More Important Than Many People Realize

If your skin becomes dry after bathing, don’t wait until it is completely dry and tight before applying moisturizer.

Dermatologists recommend gently patting the skin dry while leaving it slightly damp, then applying a fragrance-free moisturizer soon afterward. This helps trap moisture in the skin.

A cream or ointment may work better than a thin lotion for very dry skin.

Pay particular attention to areas that tend to become rough:

• Lower legs
• Elbows
• Hands
• Arms
• Feet

And you don’t have to moisturize only once a day. If your skin remains dry, applying moisturizer again during the day can help.

7. You Don’t Necessarily Have to Shower Every Day

This is where the original headline needs some clarification.

There is no universal medical rule saying everyone over 65 should stop showering daily.

Your ideal bathing schedule depends on your activity level, sweating, climate, personal preference, skin condition, mobility, and medical needs.

Some older adults may shower every day without problems.

Others may find that showering less frequently helps their dry or irritated skin.

The National Institute on Aging notes that older adults with dry skin can benefit from taking fewer baths or showers and using milder soap.

So instead of asking:

“Am I over 65, so should I stop showering every day?”

A better question is:

“Is my current shower routine leaving my skin dry, itchy, cracked, or irritated?”

If the answer is yes, your routine may need adjusting.

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8. Pay Attention to Cracked or Bleeding Skin

Dry skin isn’t always just a cosmetic annoyance.

When skin becomes extremely dry, it can crack and sometimes bleed. Older skin is also more fragile, and older adults can be more susceptible to certain skin infections.

That’s why persistent dryness deserves attention.

If you notice cracks that aren’t healing, significant bleeding, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain, or signs of infection, talk with a healthcare professional.

Don’t simply keep applying lotion indefinitely if the problem isn’t improving.

Very dry or itchy skin can sometimes be related to an underlying health condition or medication.

9. The Bathroom Itself Matters

There’s another issue that becomes particularly important as people get older:

bathroom safety.

A wet bathroom floor can be slippery, and getting in or out of a shower can become more difficult with age.

If you feel unsteady, consider practical safety improvements such as:

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