The old adage “beauty is but skin deep” is, of course, not true. However, practicing good skin care habits will not only make your skin look better, it can make you feel better. A well-done facial can leave you glowing from the inside out.

“I hear it from seniors all the time,” said Chantal Cogan, licensed aesthetician at Penobscot Valley Plastic Surgery and Skin Care Center. “They think, ‘I’m older. What’s the point?’ Or they feel vain. But this is not about vanity. It’s about making you feel good and there is nothing wrong with that.”

It makes sense when you think about it. After all, what woman doesn’t feel like a million bucks after having her hair done?

While proper skin care is important at all ages, there are special concerns for seniors. Older skin thins through the years, and is not as strong as it used to be.

“One of the most important things to remember is to be gentle,” said Cogan. “Be careful not to scrub vigorously.” There are exfoliating products on the market that contain granules designed to whisk away dead skin cells, but use them with caution. Some are just too harsh for senior skin.

“More mature skin is very delicate,” Cogan said. “Treat it with love. If you try a product and it doesn’t feel good, don’t use it. Look for products that are not irritating, such as those especially made for sensitive skin. For instance, if your skin feels tight or dry after cleansing, then that is not the cleanser for you.”

Cogan also suggests drinking water to stay hydrated, and eating right for good general health. Avoid hot water as it is drying, be sure to use a good moisturizer every day, and if you smoke – quit.

And as for cosmetics, remember the rule – less is more, she added.

“I have seen some women who think lots of make-up will hide their lines, but the opposite is true,” she said. “The excess make-up will just settle in those lines and make her look older. It’s best to apply lightly and evenly with a damp sponge.”

The drugstore or supermarket is full of products, but some people prefer a professional touch.

While most places are reputable, some may not be. If you’re interested in getting a facial or perhaps buying products from a center or salon, listen to your instincts.

“If you feel uncomfortable doing something or purchasing something, just don’t do it,” Cogan said. “Don’t let yourself feel pressured.”

While sunny days are good for the soul, they are not so good for your skin. Cogan recommends wearing sunscreen, applied liberally, with a good skin protection factor – at least SPF 15 – when going

outside.

“And know your skin,” she said. Have a good dermatologist or your primary care doctor keep an eye on any lesions, moles or changes that may have occurred since your last visit. Skin cancer can be very treatable if caught early, she said.

Taking care of the skin you’re in is one of the best ways of taking care of yourself.

“Let’s face it,” said Cogan. “What woman doesn’t want to feel pretty? It’s amazing what a little lipstick can do. Some women are so used to taking care of others, they forget to take care of themselves.” And a little pampering goes a long way, she added.

One client in her 70s started having facials after her husband passed away, said Cogan.

“It was something she needed to do for herself, to make herself feel better.”

Cogan enjoys the process along with her senior clients.

“It’s as good for me as it is for them,” she said. “[Seniors] are an untapped resource. They have so much knowledge and have seen so much. I love talking to them.”

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging in Bangor. For more information about EAA, log on www.eaaa.org, or call 941-2865 and ask for Marilyn or Chuck.