Have you ever wondered why babies have such soft skin? They haven’t lived through windy weather, sunburns, and dry air yet, so their skin is in perfect condition. Senior skin, however, has been through a lot, so it’s typically in a very different condition than younger people’s. To protect your skin and keep it in good shape, here are some tips:
Moisturize
Skin can dry out quickly, leading to itchy, ashy flakes. Older individuals are at particular risk for dry skin because they may take prescriptions that lead to this side effect. Seniors should moisturize with lotion every day after bathing to ensure their skin stays soft and supple. If you live in a colder climate, you may need to reapply moisturizer more often, like after washing your hands. Your body’s natural oils keep your skin from getting dry, so the best way to promote this healthy process is by washing your face with water every night. Clean skin will prevent clogged pores, which can contribute to dryness.
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Hydrate
Another major cause of dry skin is dehydration. Seniors should speak with their doctors to learn how much water to drink on a daily basis. Always increase your water intake when the weather is hot, or you are physically active. This replenishes the water you lose through sweating, promotes lubricated joints, and reduces painful movement. Water isn’t the only thing you can drink to stay hydrated. Teas are a great option so long as they don’t have sweeteners, but avoid high-fructose corn syrup-laden juices and sodas, as the sugar content can lead to bad oral health and obesity.
Apply a moisturizing sunscreen to protect your skin.
Protect Yourself
One of the major sources of skin damage, especially in seniors, is the sun. One easy way for seniors to combat harmful rays is to apply sunscreen daily. You can easily combine moisturizing and sunscreen with a lotion with SPF. This way, you won’t start the morning thinking, “Oh, it’s cloudy. I don’t need sunscreen,” and then find that you wish you’d put some on by midday. Many varieties of lotion today don’t have that intense beachy smell – look for ones with aloe for extra moisturizing protection.
Stay Clean
Notice how your skin feels after a day or two without a shower. You may find you’re ashy than usual, or perhaps specific sweat-prone areas smell or itch. Shower every day or two to keep your skin looking and feeling great. Cleaning your body removes bacteria that can lead to infections and odors and can be a confidence booster. Plus, people with arthritis can benefit from the heat of a bath to ease aches and pains. Ensure you’re bathing in a bathroom that offers safety handles as necessary. Assisted living communities feature handles near the toilet, sink, bath, and shower to ensure seniors are safe and comfortable while bathing.
