As we grow older, one of the first areas to show aging is our skin, the largest organ of the human body. It is understood, for this reason, why so many of us fear old age and its effects on our skin. Mature skin thins and eye wrinkles become more noticeable; the skin becomes drier, more sensitive and harder to maintain hydrated; age spots and hyper pigmentation appear; gravity causes it to sag; and skin growths form.

A major issue in caring for mature skin is increased sensitivity and dryness. How do we avoid products that irritate the skin, while still fully hydrating and reinvigorating it? We cannot stubbornly continue with the same dry skin care procedures we once used in our youth. We must adapt to the changing needs of our skin.

Mature Skin Care Suggestions

1. Dermatologists suggest that you bathe or shower daily to restore moisture to dry skin. However, you must keep the shower or bath short, or face drying of the skin. Furthermore, do not use hot water as it will strip the natural oils from the skin. Additional tips for the shower include closing the bathroom door to keep in the humidity created by the shower, using a mild cleanser that does not include oil-stripping alcohol or fragrance, gently patting the skin dry, and applying moisturizer within a few minutes of exiting the bath or shower.

2. Moisturize habitually. Moisturizer does not add moisture to the skin, but help it trap in existing water and prevent it from leaving the skin through evaporation. Applying moisturizer within 3 minutes of leaving the shower is essential. Showering and applying moisturizer daily will prevent skin, especially mature, prone to drying skin, from losing moisture.

3. Select sensitive skin lotions and moisturizers with care. Look for dry, sensitive skin formulas. Ointments and creams tend to be more hydrating and often are less irritating to dry, sensitive skin. Be thorough in your review of product ingredients. Urea and lactic acid are both good as severe dry skin moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient to look for as it occurs naturally in the skin (but diminishes with age) and actually helps the skin keep in water. Also, be sure to avoid fragrances, deodorant soaps or alcohol-based toners.

4. Be cautious with anti-aging products. Up and coming anti-aging ingredients, such as retinoids and alpha-hydroxy acid, can irritate sensitive skin.

5. Give proper care to areas that dry easily. Dry skin emphasizes (permanently if not taken care of) fine lines and wrinkles of the hands and lips. Apply a cream to the hands after each washing. Use lip balm (SPF 15 or more) or petroleum jelly religiously throughout the day.

6. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. Apply it everyday, despite the weather. The sun's rays age the skin rapidly, creating dry skin, wrinkles, age spots and even spider veins. A lot of people are quick to rush to the dermatologist to treat mature and sensitive skin, without religiously following these simple tips. However, moisturizing every blue moon isn't enough. You really must commit to following these tips and you will see savings in your pocket and improved skin.