Tears, wrinkles, cancers: Read about ways to protect our ageing skin

But just how good our skin is in our older years is partly dependent on genetics and secondly how much we have it abused it over the years.

"Unfortunately, if your parents had poor skin, then it is highly likely that you will as well," said Australian GP Dr Adrian Sheen.

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"Close behind this comes the effect of the sun. Especially on sunny days it is essential to cover up with loose clothes, a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, look for shade and use SPF 50 sun creams which should be applied every day."

Dry skin is more likely to show fine lines and wrinkles so Dr Sheen recommends keeping skin moisturised with a good quality moisturiser or sorbolene cream.

"Skin tags are very common in older people. These usually occur under the arm or on the neck. Anyone can have skin tags, although they are more frequent in people who are overweight or have diabetes. If they are a nuisance, it is very straightforward to have your doctor remove them."

Easy bruising is also a common complaint - usually due to thin skin. With so many people taking aspirin and blood thinners, Dr Sheen says it is important to ask if your medication is causing the problem.

"Skin tears on the lower leg are a real nuisance. Hitting your leg on an object can easily cause a tear and they take a long time to heal. With age, blood flow to the legs decreases and this slows the healing process."

Prevention begins at home by moving things such as furniture that could be in the way. Wounds on the legs, particularly when they cause an ulcer, can take a very long time to heal. Preventing the problem is much better, easier, and cheaper than curing it.

Skin cancers are also very common with two in every three Australians having a skin cancer in their lifetime.

Dr Sheen recommends all new spots be checked out and often they are benign.

"The most common "age spot" is called a Seb K. People with lots of these often find their family members also have them. They are dark areas that sit on the top of the skin and may occur anywhere on the body.

"If you only have a few they can be removed by either freezing or scraping them away. Unfortunately, some people have so many that there is little that can be done, and you have to learn to love them."

"It is also important to note that our skin can become delicate and sensitive as we age, so it is important that we care for our skin gently. This means avoiding perfumed soaps, heavily chlorinated swimming pools and long showers. Focus on using soaps and shampoos that are PH-balanced and fragrance-free," says Dr Sheen.