5 Overlooked Areas to Wash After 60 🧼

The headline is a little misleading: turning 60 doesn’t create a special rule that requires five additional areas to be washed. However, aging skin tends to become thinner and drier, so gentle, targeted washing is often better than aggressively scrubbing the entire body every day. Dermatologists recommend short, lukewarm showers and gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Five areas that are easy to overlook are:

1. Behind the ears — gently clean away sweat, oil and skin buildup.
2. Between and under skin folds — particularly the groin, underarms and abdominal folds. Keep these areas clean and dry.
3. Between the toes — wash and, importantly, dry thoroughly afterward.
4. Around the feet and ankles — especially if you’ve been sweating or wearing closed shoes.
5. The genital/perineal area — gentle external washing is important; avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing.

Don’t overdo it

Older skin can become irritated by hot water, vigorous scrubbing and excessive soap. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing only where cleanser is needed—such as the armpits and groin—and using moisturizer afterward if the skin is dry. (American Academy of Dermatology)

After bathing, pat rather than rub, and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp. (American Academy of Dermatology)

Bottom line: The goal isn’t to scrub harder after 60. It’s to clean important areas gently, keep skin folds dry, and protect the skin barrier. Persistent redness, itching, cracking, sores or unusual odor should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.