Aging skin undergoes big changes that require extra and thorough care. Properly caring for skin involves addressing bigger issues than just how it looks. Personal care at home can help seniors to adopt healthy strategies that protect and nurture their skin.
Hydration Is Key
Getting plenty of water daily is huge for overall health, but lots of seniors don’t realize that it matters a lot for healthy skin, too. As seniors age, their skin naturally becomes drier and that leads to wrinkles, fine lines, and crepe-like texture. Drinking plenty of water every day helps skin to remain elastic and healthy, giving it a boost from within.
Nourish from Within
Likewise, seniors must eat healthy foods on a regular basis that support the skin from the inside out. Senior skin is less elastic and starts to thin. When the body doesn’t have enough nutrients to keep the skin healthy, it’s more likely to develop issues and become more susceptible to damage.
Gentle Cleansing Routines
Harsh cleansing routines are always a bad idea for skin, but aging skin is even more delicate. Cleansers that strip away natural oils exacerbate dryness and can lead to irritation and even injury. A gentle cleansing routine that involves mild cleansers is a better plan. Home care providers can help seniors to clean their skin in a safe and healthy way that protects it from harm.
Moisturize
After cleansing, aging skin needs plenty of moisture from lotions that lock in hydration. Lotions and moisturizers that contain ingredients that are hypoallergenic are also important, because these are less likely to be irritating. Moisturizing directly after cleansing is the best way to offer a protective layer to skin.
Sun Protection
Another after-cleansing step is to apply sun protection. Seniors are very susceptible to sun damage and may find that they experience sun damage even on cloudier days. It’s important to use a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum and that contains an SPF of at least 30. For best results, apply sunscreen to exposed areas of the skin and reapply after a few hours, especially if seniors are spending time outside.
Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep recommendations are common for all sorts of senior health issues, and there are good reasons for that. Sleep helps to improve overall health and quality of life, including skin health. When seniors aren’t getting the sleep that they need, every part of their body suffers. Prioritizing sleep and finding good sleep habits and routines is vital, and elder care providers can help seniors to do just that.
Caring for aging skin means looking at all sorts of different variables to see where improvements can be made. Personal care at home can help with the hands-on tasks involved in good skin care for aging adults, but they can also help seniors in other ways. Whether seniors could use some help eating healthier and drinking more water or they need help establishing routines that support good health, home care providers can make all of these tasks easier.
If you or a senior loved one needs personal care at home in Clark, NJ or surrounding areas, please call our friendly staff at 908-590-1759.
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