5 Tips for Seniors to Maintain Healthy Skin
Did you know the skin is the largest organ of the body? It protects us from external challenges such as bacteria and temperature changes. However, as we age, our skin undergoes natural changes that require a bit more care and attention.
A senior’s skin has unique needs that shouldn’t be overlooked, from dryness and thinning to increased sensitivity and reduced elasticity. Fortunately, with a few simple adjustments, seniors can maintain healthy, vibrant skin well into their golden years.
Support Your Senior’s Skin Health
Incorporating simple and effective practices into your loved one’s daily routine can support graceful aging, reduce the impact of common skin concerns, and enhance their quality of life as they grow older.
Here are five essential skin care tips to help your aging loved one maintain healthy, nourished skin while promoting comfort, confidence, and overall well-being.
- Protect Their Skin From the Sun
Though sunshine provides seniors with necessary vitamin D, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is the top risk factor for skin cancer and can cause wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and bruising. Try some of the recommendations below:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from all UVA and UVB rays. Apply it at least 20 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours (or sooner if they are sweating or getting wet).
- Avoid being outside during midday when UV radiation is at its peak. When outside, make sure your loved one stays under the shade of a tree or an umbrella.
- Check with your loved one’s pharmacist to know whether sun exposure may interfere with certain medications.
- Light, long-sleeved clothing in breathable fabrics can help protect against UV rays.
- Protect their face, eyes, and neck with a wide-brimmed hat as well as sunglasses designed to guard against UV rays.
Check with your loved one’s healthcare providers about sunscreen recommendations.
- Help Them Stay Hydrated
According to the National Institute on Aging, proper hydration can prevent skin dryness and improve elasticity. If your senior dislikes drinking water, try a fun new water bottle or add cucumber or lemon slices to boost flavor and nutrients.
If your senior struggles to drink enough water due to problems with swallowing or concerns about incontinence, talk with their doctor right away, especially if you notice signs of dehydration, such as:
- Constipation
- Dark urine and less urine output
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Fainting
- Fast heart rate or breathing
- Headache
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Use Mild Soaps and Moisturizers
Applying moisturizers every day helps manage dry or itchy skin. Encourage your loved one to avoid products that contain fragrances—sometimes the chemicals in the perfumes can irritate fragile skin.
Most seniors don’t need to bathe every day. If this is your loved one’s preference, talk with them about showering every other day instead with warm (not hot) water to protect dry skin. A professional caregiver from Visiting Angels can help them freshen up so they feel clean and ready for the day.
- Check Their Skin Often—Especially Their Feet
The risk of developing skin cancer increases with age, and skin changes are the most common sign of skin cancer. Look for new spots, discolorations or growths, and moles that change color or shape.
If your loved one has neuropathy—lack of sensation in the feet—they can be at risk for ulcers and infections in their feet due to small cuts or jabs from stepping on objects. Check their feet weekly or more frequently and report any changes to their doctor. Help them keep their feet dry, especially between the toes, to help reduce the risk of sores.
- Keep Moving Together
Sitting or lying in one position for a long time can lead to painful pressure sores that can break the skin. Help your loved one to change positions with gentle movement and stretching. Use a supportive pad when they sit or lie down.
Encourage them to spend time moving together with you, friends, or a Visiting Angels caregiver. For example, they could enjoy a walk through the park or participate in chair yoga—whatever keeps them smiling and moving. Leisure time with companions also helps to overcome loneliness, which is a significant problem for aging adults.
Compassionate In-Home Support for Senior Skin Care
If your loved one needs a hand taking care of their skin health, they don’t have to do it alone. Visiting Angels professional home caregivers can provide gentle, dedicated support for all aspects of your senior’s skin health—whether getting dressed in sun-safety gear for an outing or assistance with bathing.
With Visiting Angels, you and your senior can feel confident knowing their skin is being cared for throughout every season of the year.
Contact your local Visiting Angels office to discuss how we help seniors age gracefully at home.
