How does aging change your skin — especially after you turn 65?

The epidermis, the skin's outer layer, does not recover from injury as quickly as in earlier years, and the loss of lipids causes dryness.

The inner layer dermis loses collagen and elastic tissue that keep skin "plump" and protect against injury.

Sweat glands are less efficient, producing less sweat and increasing the time to cool off the body on hot days.

Which of the following should you NOT do to manage dry skin that is more common as you age?

Bathe twice a day to hydrate your skin, ideally with bath oils.

Apply a moisturizer to skin each day.

Use a humidifier in rooms to add moisture to the air.

When choosing a sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends you look for labels that indicate:

SPF of 30 or higher, "broad spectrum" protection and "water-resistant."

A well-known manufacturer; off-brands are not as effective.

SPF of 70 or higher that protects against ultraviolent A (UVA) rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply and cause skin cancer.

Any SPF, as long as it's labeled as "waterproof" and "sweatproof."

How much, and how often, should you use sunscreen on exposed skin?

About 1 ounce applied at two-hour intervals, even on cloudy days, and after swimming, sweating, or even vigorous toweling or rubbing skin.

A little dab will do you, applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors for all-day protection.

One squirt, applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and again every four hours on sunny days, and after swimming or sweating.

Same as B, but reapplied every two hours on sunny days.

Which of the following should not be used to soothe sunburn?

Petroleum jelly or ice packs applied to affected areas.

Aloe vera lotion or gel and creams that contain low-dose hydrocortisone.

Soaking in a cool bath with cornstarch, oatmeal or baking soda to reduce itching.

Clean, moist towels used as cool compresses.

What are the "ABCDE" indicators of a mole or lesion that warn of melanoma, whose cure rate is nearly 100 percent with early detection and treatment?

Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving

Autonomous, Bifacial, Color, Diameter, Excessive

Atypical, Big, Centric, Defined, Evolving

Accentuated, Border, Circumference, Dryness, Entirety

Which is best for preventing, managing or reducing wrinkles?

Limiting sun exposure and daily use of sunscreen and "everyday" moisturizers.

Facials and microdermabrasion, done at least twice a year.

Using expensive moisturizers and skin care products; you get what you pay for.

Using products specifically labeled as "anti-aging" or "wrinkle creams."

For healthy-looking skin, which method is recommended when washing your face?

Same as B, but use cleansers without alcohol and limit to twice daily and after sweating. Then pat dry.

Scrubbing skin with hot water and soap to kill bacteria that can trigger infection.

Wet your face with lukewarm water and use fingertips to apply cleanser that contains alcohol to kill bacteria at least three times daily.

Use a washcloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to best kill germs, especially if you sweat profusely. Then pat dry.

How Much Do You Know About Keeping Your Skin Healthy?

Test yourself on the newest research in summer skin care

Sid Kirchheimer

En español

Published April 30, 2013

9 Questions

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How Much Do You Know About Keeping Your Skin Healthy?

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