Seniors experience more skin issues because of their age. In fact, research indicates that approximately 75.7% of seniors aged 70 and above have at least one skin condition requiring treatment. The older you get, the more your skin changes, making it prone to diseases. That’s because the organ is less oily, thinner, and less elastic. It also bruises a lot easier and takes longer to heal. Various medications can also adversely affect skin health. But there’s good news if you’re a senior. Despite these issues, it’s possible to keep your skin healthy and glowing regardless of age. The following tips will help you protect and preserve your or your aged loved one’s skin and keep it looking healthy.
Use a humidifier in your home
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Put a humidifier in your home to help add some moisture to dry indoor air. Optimal air moisture levels can prevent excessive drying of the skin. As indicated earlier, the skin is more prone to drying and dehydration as you age, leading to more wrinkles, fine lines, and irritation. Adding moisture to your indoor air can keep your skin adequately hydrated, improving its suppleness and elasticity. Moreover, it can alleviate discomfort like itching, inflammation, and irritation. Using a humidifier in your home will also help you create a more favorable environment for your body to repair and regenerate.
Get regular massages
Regular massages can help promote aging skin health by relieving muscle stress and tension. Indeed, muscle tension is common in seniors and does more than affect mobility. Studies show that tension in facial and neck muscles can create wrinkles, similar to what stress does to the skin. Getting a routine massage will be like killing two birds with one stone – keeping your aging skin healthy and easing your stress simultaneously. Consider doing this at least once every week. Better still, start learning how to give a massage if you have a senior at home.
Invest in skin health supplements
Consider investing in skin-health supplements as a valuable addition to your or your aging loved one’s skincare routine. Collegen, vitamins C and E, and omega 3 fatty acids can help compensate for any age-related decline in aging skin, enriching it with the nutrients needed for repair and rejuvenation. Collagen supplements, for example, are known to enhance skin elasticity while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Supplements containing antioxidants can also help reduce the effect or presence of free radicals and inflammation, slowing down the skin’s aging process.
Omega 3 is crucial for maintaining skin hydration and preventing dryness. You can also invest in anti-aging and hormone replacement that contain peptides like KPV/BPC-157. These are proven to improve skin healing, treat various inflammatory infections, and improve skin health, among other health benefits. But it’s best to consult your doctor before investing in skin-health supplements, especially if you’re on specific medications.
Examine your skin regularly
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It’s important to pay close attention to your skin at any age, but even more when you’re older. You can visit a dermatologist for a general skin check-up or consider examining yourself at home with the help of a mirror or caregiver. Skin cancers can still occur even with the best use of skin care products, a healthy diet, good sleep, and regular exercise.
It is estimated that 40-50% of people age 65 will develop at least one skin cancer. While this is more likely to occur in people with lighter skin, those with darker skin are also susceptible. That’s why regular skin examination is important.
Pay close attention to moles and birthmarks during your examination, and look out for any pigmentation changes. When detected early, many skin cancers can’t spread and will only need little treatment beyond removal. You can inspect your body as often as you can, even if it’s daily. But always remember to eat healthy, get enough rest, drink loads of water daily, and get enough sleep to help improve your skin health. They’re still important.
Wear gloves as often as you can
Yes, you read that right. Wearing gloves is an important way to protect and preserve aging skin. That’s because your hands can dry out, too, especially during winter. Doing this can shield your hands from harsh temperatures and prevent moisture loss. Even in warmer temperatures, gloves are advisable, especially when doing housework and gardening. Working in and around the house can expose your skin to harsh chemicals, sunlight, and other things that can dry out your skin or cause irritation. Gloves can act as a barrier against harmful chemicals found in house cleaning products and gardening materials and can help reduce the risk of skin reactions or allergies.
Avoid hot baths and harsh skin products
Hot baths may feel soothing during cold temperatures, but avoiding them as much as possible is best. Bath with lukewarm water instead, as hot water can dry your already-delicate skin and cause further damage. Also, try to limit your bath time to under ten minutes. Research has shown that daily baths are unnecessary if you’re a senior, as they can do more harm than good. Experts say it’s fine for an elderly person to bathe twice or three times a week (or once, as a minimum). Harsh soaps are also a no-no, as they irritate aging skin. After bathing, use chemical-free body lotion, preferably the ones rich in vitamin E, to help hydrate the skin.
Don’t forget to see a dermatologist
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As mentioned, you can see a dermatologist to help you examine your skin and check for signs of cancer and other skin issues. You can do this at least once a year. But beyond that, it’s important to see your dermatologist for expert advice on the right skincare routine tailored to your unique needs. Doing this is super important if your current skincare routine isn’t improving your skin or you’re struggling with various skin problems. A dermatologist can also address all your skincare issues and answer your questions, so feel free to consider this.
Friends, what’s your go-to skincare regimen at home? Leave your thoughts below.
