Supporting Ageing Skin: What Carers Need to Know

As the skin ages, it is common for it to become drier, thinner, and sensitive. The skin becomes more vulnerable to irritation and damage, which can lead to discomfort. This means it is crucial to support the skin barrier by using the right skincare products and routine. The reason for the weakening of the skin barrier is primarily the reduction in essential lipids such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. These lipids play a significant role in hydrating and protecting your skin. As a carer for an ageing family member, friend or client, it becomes our responsibility to help restore the strength of fragile skin. Here are some key skincare ingredients you should know about. Read below to learn more: 

Stanborough, R. J. (2025, July 29). What to Know About Your Skin Barrier and How to Protect It. Health Line. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-barrier

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Ceramides 

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up to 30% to 40% of the skin’s barrier. Their job is to keep the moisture intact and harmful irritants out. Unfortunately, ceramide production reduces with age. It is a natural process that causes issues, such as dryness and irritation, to increase.  

In a clinical trial, it was found that ceramide-infused barrier cream outperformed the standard barrier creams. The ceramides create a barrier on the skin and protect it from environmental damage and skin irritants.  

At Prolox, we help you replenish what time takes away. Our skincare products that include ceramides prevent dryness and soothe the skin for those over the age of 50.  

Cholesterol  

Do you think cholesterol is related only to your heart health? No, it is also associated with the skin, too. It is a vital component that helps in maintaining flexibility and resilience in the skin. It also prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When combined with ceramides and fatty acids, the cholesterol could do wonders for the skin.  

Tornambe, A. (2017, March 27). Are natural wrinkle creams better? Wordpress. Retrieved September 11, 2025, from https://anthonytornambeblog.wordpress.com/2017/04/22/are-natural-wrinkle-creams-better/

By using a skin barrier cream formulated with cholesterol, you will notice a significant improvement in overall skin health. The skin barrier becomes strong and recovers from minor injuries quickly.  

Fatty Acids  

Fatty acids such as linoleic acid provide nourishment and softness to the skin. It balances the dryness that mature skin develops. To keep the skin supple and reduce the appearance of cracks and scaling, apply a lotion enriched with fatty acids. A study on the usefulness of topical application of essential fatty acids to prevent pressure ulcers found that fatty acids on the skin improve skin hydration and elasticity.  

Fatty acids are like daily nutrition for your skin barrier. Make sure you provide it to your skin daily as it soothes and restores the ageing skin.  

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) 

This ingredient is known for its hydrating and soothing properties. It calms the inflammation and keeps the skin happy. To manage fragile or drying skin as it matures, don’t skip the products that have Panthenol in them.  

Vitamin B5 is ideal for daily use. It is non-irritating and mild, but strong enough to repair and hydrate the skin barrier deeply. To treat sensitive skin, this component may prove effective in overall skin improvement.

Practical Tips for Ageing Skin Carers 

Now, you have a fair idea about the essential lipids that the skin needs. Here are some practical tips that can help those in your care attain nourished and healthy skin as they age.

• Choose the right products: Before you select a skincare product, check the ingredients. They should contain ceramides, fatty acids, panthenol and cholesterol. Also, try to go with a fragrance-free and skin-sensitive lotion or cream to ensure compatibility with all skin types.  
• Apply the product regularly: Follow a consistent skincare routine. Apply the right products regularly to get the best possible results.  
• Be gentle: Harsh soaps and scrubs do more damage than good. So, always be careful not to cause further damage by using gentle skin cleansers. Use lukewarm water and pat the skin dry.  
• Watch for changes:  Always keep an eye on the skin’s condition. If you find any signs such as redness, irritation or dryness, address them immediately.

To Conclude

Caring for someone with mature, sensitive, or fragile skin might look complicated, but all it takes is a routine and using products enriched with the essential lipids and quality ingredients. Follow these steps for a simple skincare routine: 

• Body Cleansing: Use Prolox Oat Moisturising Body Wash to clean the whole body. This is a pH-friendly body wash that does not strip the natural barrier of the skin.  
• Moisturising: To lock in the hydration and replenish the essential lipids, apply Prolox Moisturising Skin Lotion.  
• Barrier Cream: Apply Prolox Advanced Barrier Cream to prevent cracks, scaling and dryness of the skin.  
• Rinse-free Cleaning: For those with sensitive skin, choose Prolox Gentle No-Rinse, Soap-Free Cleanser. It cleanses the skin gently, leaving it moisturised and refreshed.  

At Prolox, our formulas are fragrance-free and dermatologically tested. They contain Swedish-Grown Oat Kernel Oil, glycerine, and barrier-supporting lipids. Prolox cares for skin, so listen to the symptoms of ageing skin and provide it with the nourishment it needs.

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