By MercyAssistedCare.org Care Team
Skin tags become increasingly common with age—by age 60, nearly half of adults have at least one, and many have dozens. For seniors on fixed incomes, the cost of professional dermatologist removal can be prohibitive, especially when insurance considers skin tag removal cosmetic rather than medically necessary. Purely Me's at-home bloodroot serum offers an affordable alternative, but older adults need to consider age-specific safety factors before use.
This guide addresses the unique concerns seniors face when considering Purely Me: medication interactions, age-related skin changes, mobility limitations that affect application, and whether the 60-day guarantee provides adequate protection for older adults who may need more time to see results.
Official Website: trypurelymeskin.com
Why Skin Tags Increase with Age
The Biology of Aging Skin
Skin changes significantly as we age:
- Collagen loss: Skin becomes thinner and less elastic, making it more prone to friction-related growths
- Hormonal shifts: Decreased estrogen (in women) and testosterone (in men) affect skin tissue regeneration
- Metabolic changes: Age-related insulin resistance correlates with increased skin tag formation
- Medication effects: Common senior medications (particularly for diabetes and blood pressure) can influence skin tissue behavior
Common locations for age-related skin tags:
- Neck (especially where necklaces or collars rub)
- Underarms (friction from arm movement)
- Under breasts (for women)
- Groin/upper thighs (friction from walking)
- Eyelids (become more common after age 50)
- Upper back and chest
Why this matters for Purely Me use:
Older skin is more delicate than younger skin. While this doesn't make Purely Me unsafe for seniors, it does mean application needs to be more careful. The bloodroot serum that causes controlled desiccation on a 30-year-old's skin will interact with 70-year-old skin differently due to reduced thickness and slower healing capacity.
Age-Specific Safety Considerations
Skin Sensitivity and Healing Capacity
As skin ages, several factors affect how it responds to topical treatments:
Thinner epidermis: The outermost skin layer becomes 10-50% thinner with age, meaning less protective barrier between bloodroot alkaloids and deeper tissue layers.
Reduced oil production: Older skin produces less sebum (natural oil), making it drier and potentially more reactive to strong botanical compounds.
Slower healing: Cell turnover slows significantly with age. A skin tag that might detach in 7-10 days on younger skin might take 14-21 days on senior skin.
Practical implications for Purely Me use:
✓ Expect longer timelines: Don't assume failure if tags don't respond within 7 days—give it 2-3 weeks ✓ Moisturize surrounding skin: Apply unscented moisturizer (like Cetaphil or CeraVe) to healthy skin around the tag to protect against irritation ✓ Start with one tag: Test on a single tag before treating multiple to assess your skin's response ✓ Watch for excessive irritation: Mild tingling or warmth is normal; persistent stinging or redness beyond the tag itself requires stopping use
Vision and Dexterity Challenges
Many seniors face practical application challenges:
Vision impairment: Seeing small skin tags clearly enough for precise application can be difficult, especially for tags on the back or in other hard-to-see areas.
Arthritis or tremor: Holding the small dropper applicator steadily requires fine motor control that can be compromised by arthritis, essential tremor, or Parkinson's.
Practical solutions:
✓ Use a magnifying mirror for better visibility ✓ Ask a family member or caregiver to help with application in hard-to-reach areas ✓ Apply serum with a cotton swab if dropper control is difficult ✓ Consider treating only easily accessible tags yourself and having a healthcare provider remove difficult-to-reach ones
Medication Interactions and Health Conditions
Blood Thinners (Warfarin, Apixaban, Clopidogrel)
Many seniors take anticoagulant medications for heart health. While Purely Me is applied topically (not ingested), there's a theoretical concern: if a skin tag is accidentally torn or scraped during removal, bleeding could be more difficult to stop in patients on blood thinners.
Risk mitigation: ✓ Let tags fall off naturally—don't pick or pull at darkening tags ✓ Keep tissues or gauze nearby during application in case minor bleeding occurs ✓ Inform your primary care physician you're using a topical skin tag remover ✓ If a tag bleeds, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze for 5-10 minutes
Diabetes (Type 2 Most Common in Seniors)
Skin tags are more prevalent in people with diabetes or prediabetes due to insulin resistance. However, diabetes also affects wound healing, which is relevant for skin tag removal.
Diabetic considerations: ✓ Monitor blood sugar closely during tag removal (stress on tissue can temporarily affect local healing) ✓ Watch for signs of infection after tag falls off (redness spreading beyond the site, warmth, pus) ✓ Keep the area clean and dry ✓ If you have neuropathy (reduced sensation), have someone else check the removal site daily
Topical Corticosteroids or Immunosuppressants
Seniors using steroid creams for eczema or psoriasis, or taking immunosuppressant medications for autoimmune conditions or organ transplants, have altered healing responses.
Special precaution: Consult your prescribing physician before using Purely Me, as altered immune function may increase infection risk after tag removal.
Heart Conditions and High Blood Pressure
While bloodroot is applied topically in very small amounts, some seniors worry about systemic absorption. The alkaloid content in Purely Me's serum is far too low for systemic effects when used as directed on small skin tags.
Reassurance: Topical bloodroot on skin tags is not comparable to oral ingestion—your cardiovascular medications will not be affected.
Cost Comparison: Why Purely Me Makes Sense for Fixed Incomes
Professional Dermatologist Removal Costs
Without insurance coverage (most plans exclude cosmetic procedures):
- Per-tag removal: $100-300 per office visit
- Multiple tags: Many dermatologists charge per tag, with slight bulk discounts
- Example: Removing 10 skin tags could cost $500-1,500
With Medicare/insurance:
- Typically not covered unless a tag is irritated, bleeding, or in a location causing functional problems
- Even with coverage, co-pays and deductibles apply
Purely Me Cost Structure
- Single bottle: $69 (treats approximately 15-30 tags depending on size)
- Multi-bottle packages: Discounts for 3-bottle ($177) or 6-bottle ($294) orders
- Cost per tag: Approximately $2-5 per tag
Senior budget analysis:
For a senior with 10-15 skin tags:
- Dermatologist route: $800-1,200 (one-time)
- Purely Me route: $69 (one bottle sufficient)
- Savings: $730-1,130
For those on Social Security or fixed pensions, this difference is significant.
The 60-Day Guarantee as Financial Protection
Purely Me offers full refunds within 60 days if unsatisfied. This is particularly valuable for seniors because:
- You can try the product without risking limited funds
- If it doesn't work for your specific skin tags, you get money back
- No need to return the used product (simplifies process)
How to use the guarantee strategically:
- Purchase one bottle initially (test without major investment)
- Give it a full 3 weeks per tag (realistic timeline for senior skin)
- If results are satisfactory, consider multi-bottle package for additional tags
- If unsatisfactory after 3-4 weeks, request refund before 60-day window closes
Application Instructions Adapted for Seniors
Standard Instructions (From Purely Me):
- Clean and dry the skin tag area
- Apply small amount of serum directly to tag using dropper
- Let dry completely (do not cover)
- Repeat twice daily until tag falls off
Senior-Adapted Best Practices:
Step 1: Preparation
- Use good lighting (natural light or bright lamp)
- If vision is limited, use magnifying mirror
- Have reading glasses on if needed for close work
- Wash hands thoroughly (seniors more susceptible to skin infections)
Step 2: Application
- Sit in comfortable position with stable surface (table, countertop)
- If hand tremor is present, brace elbow on table for stability
- Apply serum with cotton swab if dropper is difficult to control
- Use mirror to verify serum is only on tag, not surrounding skin
Step 3: Drying Time
- Wait 3-5 minutes before dressing (longer drying time for safety)
- Don't rush—if serum touches clothing before dry, it may irritate skin
Step 4: Frequency
- Twice daily is ideal, but once daily may be sufficient for slower-healing senior skin
- Consistency matters more than frequency: once daily every day is better than twice daily some days and skipping others
Step 5: Monitoring
- Check tag daily for changes (darkening, drying)
- Note any redness or irritation on surrounding skin
- Keep a simple log (date, which tag, any changes) to track progress
What Seniors Should NOT Use Purely Me On
Eyelid Tags (Common in Older Adults)
Eyelid skin is extremely thin and sensitive. The area is also close to the eye itself. While younger adults might carefully attempt eyelid application, for seniors with vision changes or hand steadiness issues, the risk is higher.
Senior-specific recommendation: Have eyelid tags removed by an ophthalmologist or dermatologist. The precision required is not worth the risk of serum contact with the eye.
Tags on Thin, Fragile Skin
Some seniors develop skin so thin it bruises easily (“solar purpura” or “senile purpura”). On this type of extremely fragile skin, even gentle topical treatments can cause problems.
How to test skin fragility:
- Gently pinch the skin near the tag
- If the skin is paper-thin and tears easily, consider professional removal instead
- If skin has normal thickness and resilience, Purely Me is appropriate
Tags That Have Changed or Bleed Easily
Any growth that:
- Has changed color recently (especially darkening)
- Bleeds without trauma
- Has irregular borders
- Is growing rapidly
…should be evaluated by a healthcare provider before any removal attempt. While most skin tags are benign, seniors have higher rates of skin cancer, and what looks like a skin tag could be something requiring medical attention.
Rule for seniors: When in doubt, get it checked out. Purely Me should only be used on confirmed benign skin tags.
Managing Expectations: Results Timeline for Seniors
Typical Timeline for Adults Under 60:
- Days 1-3: Tag darkens
- Days 4-7: Tag hardens and dries
- Days 8-14: Tag falls off
Expected Timeline for Seniors (60+):
- Days 1-5: Tag begins darkening (slower initial response)
- Days 6-14: Tag progressively darkens and hardens
- Days 15-21: Tag detaches naturally
Why the difference?
Slower cell turnover, reduced circulation to skin, thinner tissue—all mean the desiccation process takes longer. This is not product failure; it's normal aging biology.
Important for seniors to understand:
If your tag hasn't fallen off in 10 days, that doesn't mean Purely Me isn't working. Continue application consistently for up to 3 weeks before considering it ineffective.
Caregiver Involvement: When to Ask for Help
Many seniors live independently and prefer handling personal care themselves. However, some situations benefit from caregiver assistance:
Ask family member or caregiver to help if:
- Tags are on back, shoulders, or other areas you can't easily see or reach
- You have significant vision impairment
- Hand tremor or arthritis makes precise application difficult
- You live alone and want someone to check for infection after tags fall off
How to ask caregivers for help:
“I'm using a topical serum to remove skin tags, and I need help applying it to the ones on my back. It requires putting a small amount on the tag twice a day. Would you be willing to help with this?”
Most family caregivers or home health aides are comfortable with this type of assistance—it's non-invasive and takes just a few minutes.
When Seniors Should See a Doctor Instead
Purely Me is appropriate for simple, benign skin tags. See a healthcare provider if:
✗ The growth is painful or tender ✗ It's changing rapidly in size or color ✗ It bleeds spontaneously (without being bumped or scratched) ✗ It's in a very sensitive area (eyelids, genitals) ✗ You have multiple new tags appearing quickly (could indicate underlying metabolic issue) ✗ You're immunocompromised (chemotherapy, organ transplant, HIV) ✗ You have uncontrolled diabetes ✗ The tag is very large (over 1 cm) or flat against the skin
Remember: Medicare covers skin tag removal if tags are:
- Causing symptoms (pain, bleeding, irritation)
- Interfering with daily activities (catching on clothing or jewelry)
- Located where they limit function (eyelid impairing vision)
If your tags qualify under these criteria, professional removal may be covered by insurance.
Real Seniors, Real Results: Setting Appropriate Expectations
Best-case scenario (what many seniors experience):
“I had about 8 small tags on my neck and underarms. At 68, I wasn't sure how my skin would react, but I tried Purely Me because my doctor wanted $150 per visit to remove them. It took about 2-3 weeks per tag—longer than the instructions said, but I expected that because I'm older. Six of the eight fell off completely with barely visible marks. Two larger ones got smaller but didn't fully detach, so I had my doctor remove just those two for $200 total instead of $800 for all of them. Saved myself $600.”
Moderate results (what some seniors experience):
“I'm 74 and have very thin skin from years of sun damage. I tried Purely Me on three small tags. One fell off cleanly after about three weeks. The other two darkened but didn't fully detach—they just sort of shrank and became less noticeable. My daughter, who's a nurse, said that's probably because my skin is so thin it couldn't complete the natural shedding process. I decided to leave the shrunken ones alone since they're much less visible now.”
Unsatisfactory results (what a minority experience):
“At 81, I have diabetes and take blood thinners. I tried Purely Me on several tags, but my skin got quite irritated. The tags darkened but also the surrounding skin became red and tender. I stopped using it and asked for a refund, which they gave me without hassle. I ended up having my dermatologist remove them during my annual skin check.”
The pattern: Seniors with relatively healthy, resilient skin for their age tend to get good results, though slower than younger users. Seniors with very fragile skin, multiple health issues, or compromised healing may experience complications or poor results.
The Verdict: Is Purely Me Right for You?
Purely Me is a good choice for seniors who: ✓ Have confirmed benign skin tags (not questionable growths) ✓ Have tags in accessible, non-sensitive locations ✓ Can apply serum consistently for 2-3 weeks ✓ Have relatively healthy skin despite age ✓ Want to save significant money vs. professional removal ✓ Can afford the $69 investment (or have family willing to gift it)
Consider alternatives if you: ✗ Have extremely fragile or thin skin ✗ Are significantly immunocompromised ✗ Have tags in sensitive areas (eyes, genitals) ✗ Can't apply serum yourself and lack caregiver assistance ✗ Have tags covered by insurance due to symptoms ✗ Need immediate removal (professional excision is faster)
The financial reality for seniors:
On a fixed income, $69 is not trivial. But neither is $800-1,200 for professional removal of multiple tags. The 60-day guarantee provides protection—if Purely Me doesn't work for your skin, you get your money back.
Strategic approach:
- Confirm with your doctor that your growths are benign skin tags
- Purchase one bottle of Purely Me
- Test on 1-2 accessible tags first
- Give it 3 weeks to work (be patient with senior skin timeline)
- If successful, continue with remaining tags
- If ineffective or irritating, request refund within 60 days
This approach minimizes financial risk while maximizing potential savings.
Official Website: trypurelymeskin.com
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Seniors should consult their primary care physician before using any skin tag removal product, especially if taking medications or managing chronic health conditions. Purely Me is a cosmetic product and is not FDA-approved to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary based on age, skin condition, and overall health status. Always verify that growths are benign skin tags before attempting at-home removal.