Healthy Skin Tips for the Elderly

Our body changes as we age, and we usually see these changes on our skin. Skin care is important for all ages, especially to seniors, as they are more prone to skin issues such as scaling, itching, dryness, ulcerations, and infections. As an older adult, these tips are specifically designed to help you with your skin:

Use Sun Protection

Getting some vitamin D is healthy for the skin, but if you’re exposed for too long, it can harm your skin. Elderlies are especially at risk for damage due to more fragile skin. Too much sun can lead to skin cancer, sunburn, high risk of skin discoloration, and even wrinkles. Older adults should wear fully protective and comfortable clothing, UV-blocking sunglasses, and also use sunscreen and sunblock at recommended SPF levels.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is always healthy for the skin. Aside from keeping you hydrated, it also helps flush out toxins and moisturize the skin.

Soothe Dry Skin

The elderlies are advised to use fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers, and soft cotton washcloth when taking a bath to prevent dry skin. However, you should also avoid washing your skin excessively because it can cause more dryness.

Choose the Right Diet

Good nutrition helps the body repair and strengthen the skin. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals will keep your skin healthy. Vitamin A helps prevent infection in damaged skin, vitamin C helps heal wounds faster, and vitamin E prevents damage to cell membranes.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is not healthy for persons of all ages. It actually helps speed up the aging process, destroys the skin’s collagen, elastin, and tissues that give you a youthful glow. Aside from it’s not very healthy for your lungs and secondhand smoke is even more harmful to others, smoking also causes premature wrinkling and poor wound healing.

Use Natural Skin Products

To keep your skin healthy as an older adult, you should use skin products made up of natural ingredients, and that you are not allergic to the substances included in the product. If you’re an older adult with a very sensitive skin, it is advised to wear 100% hypoallergenic cotton clothing to prevent skin irritation.

Your skin care routine is important in maintaining a radiant, healthy appearance, and by following this list, you'll amp up your skin care results to the maximum.