Background: Skin aging is associated with anatomical and physiological changes. These changes are not pathological; nevertheless, reduced functional skin capacity increases the susceptibility to skin diseases and functional disorders. Especially in old age, the clinical manifestation of skin changes differs greatly between individuals.
Purpose: This contribution focuses on a critical reflection of the concept of preventative skin care and skin health promotion in the aged.
Results: Preventive skin care in the aged includes all activities to cleanse and care for the skin which contribute to health promotion and which reduce the probability developing skin disorders or diseases. Preventive skin care in the aged can be classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, but the empirical evidence supporting individual interventions is heterogeneous.
Conclusion: There are no formally developed guidelines or recommendations for basic skin care in the aged. Thus, preventive skin care in the elderly is very likely to be underused.