Elderly Skin Care Tips

The largest organ in your body, your skin provides a physical barrier protecting you from toxins and germs that could cause diseases. This complex three-layered covering helps regulate body temperature, support your sense of touch and grow hair. Skin changes with age, however, and can become the source of health issues if not cared for properly. 

 Aging Skin Care

Knowing how to take care of your skin is crucial to avoiding health problems as you age. Start with these elderly skin care tips:

1. Keep Skin Hydrated

Senior skin problems often begin with dry, cracked skin. Here are some ways to keep your skin hydrated and healthy:

• Take warm (not hot) baths or showers
• Avoid saunas and hot tubs
• Use a daily moisturizer
• Drink plenty of water
• Wash with a soft cloth
• Use a room humidifier
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy diet

2. Protect Your Skin from the Environment

Your skin protects you from the toxins in the environment, but as you age it needs your help. Here are some skin care tips for seniors to help avoid unhealthy exposure:

• Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
• Seek out a shady spot when possible
• Avoid tanning
• Cover your skin with SPF clothing if possible
• Wear gloves for housework, dishes, gardening
• Never walk barefoot

3. Maintain Good Hygiene

As you age, taking care of your basic hygiene needs can become challenging. Mobility restrictions, incontinence and other signs of aging can take an indirect toll on your skin. Follow these good hygiene tips:

• Wear clean clothes every day, even if you don’t leave the house
• Take off wet socks or other garments as soon as possible
• Wash sheets regularly
• Change incontinence products frequently
• Put on clean pajamas after night sweats
• Wash hair frequently with a gentle shampoo

Proper skincare for the elderly includes regular skin checks by your doctor. Most of the changes you see in your skin are just the result of age, but it is a good idea to be sure. 

This blog is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your healthcare routine.

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Source: Elmcroft