The Importance of a Dermatologist for Managing Skin Conditions in Older Adults

Your skin changes throughout your life. When you're young, your skin barrier doesn't offer a strong defense. The teenage years are known for acne. Once you're an older adult, your skin likewise has unique needs. Luckily, a dermatologist like Dr. Brett Matheson or Dr. Christopher Sartori of the Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center, serving Colorado Springs, Pueblo & Trinidad, CO, and the surrounding regions, can care for your skin as you age.

Are at Risk of Skin Cancer 

 One in five Americans wind up with skin cancer by the time they reach 70. The average age to receive a melanoma diagnosis is 66.

Your risk rises with age because all the sun exposure you've had over time affects your skin on a cellular level. Your body's ability to repair DNA decreases with age and your skin's structure changes. That's not considering that your immune function also lessens over time.

The skin experts at our practice, no matter which location you visit—we have them in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad, CO—provide routine screenings to detect cancer early. The treatment a dermatologist supplies, whenever your cancer is detected early, is much less involved. The recovery time and scarring will decrease when the malignancy has spread minimally. 

Are More Likely to Have Dry Skin 

 With age comes your skin, producing less oil, elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. All this leads to your skin being drier as you get older. Ultimately, this equates to you being more susceptible to skin irritation. You're also more likely to develop skin infections when your skin is cracking from being dry. Moreover, your skin's defenses weaken when it's dry, so it can't protect you against irritants and microbes as well as it should.

Could Have Worsening Conditions 

 For various reasons, such as skin changes, hormone loss, medication side effects, and chronic health conditions, your current skin issues could worsen over time. Not only could they make you feel self-conscious as they worsen, but they could also be irritating and uncomfortable.

Through dermatological care from a specialist at our office, you can reduce the prevalence of symptoms and stop issues from progressing into something more serious.

The Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center has locations in Colorado Springs, Pueblo & Trinidad, CO, where you can visit for skincare needs. Dr. Matheson and Dr. Sartori understand the conditions well that affect older adults the most, so you're in good, trustworthy hands here.

Call us for an appointment at:

Colorado Springs - 719-574-0310

Pueblo - 719-564-5544

Trinidad - 800-290-2478