4 IMPORTANT SKIN CARE TIPS FOR SENIORS

There is nothing more natural than the aging process. Although growing older allows us to gain wisdom along the way, aging also can trigger some healthcare issues. One healthcare concern that does not receive the attention that it deserves concerns our skin. At our assisted living facility in Lynnwood, our caregivers make it a point to keep residents on top of skincare, especially residents who have reached the age of 70 years old.

You might not think of your skin as a protective organ, but protecting your body is the skin’s most important job. Along with other body components such as nerves, sweat glands, and blood vessels, the skin also performs important functions like sensation and thermos regulation. As you age, the skin can develop several issues, which include feeling dry and itchy, as well as irritating easily. Your skin also might bruise more easily and heal more slowly after sustaining an injury.

Here are four important skin care tips for seniors as presented by the team of caregivers at our senior living center in Everett, Washington.

Gently Wash

Dry, mature skin requires more than an average amount of moisture to retain its vibrancy. However, we lose the essential oils that keep our skin moist and looking healthy as we enter our senior years. You avoid drying out your skin by gently washing it and not washing it as often as when you were younger. Make sure to use mild cleansers as well to avoid contact with abrasive ingredients.

Moisturize Daily

Instead of washing your skin throughout the day, apply moisturizer to maintain robust skin health. The highest quality moisturizers contain a combination of emollients and fatty acids that are just like the skin’s lipids. A high-quality moisturizer develops a barrier that traps hydration and prevents water loss. Moisturizing works best on dry skin.

Control Sun Exposure

One of the most important strategies implemented for maintaining healthy skin as we age involves minimizing exposure to sunlight. You have heard about the health benefits of sun exposure, such as the absorption of vitamin D. However, too much sun can quickly dry out the skin to produce unsightly wrinkles and other maladies. Avoid the sun when its rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. In addition, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30.

Follow a Skin-Health Diet

Yes, you can eat your way to achieving healthy skin during your senior years. The old saying “you are what you eat” has special relevance for your skin. Following a diet that delivers at least the daily recommended allowance of vitamins and minerals is an effective way to incorporate diet into developing healthy skin. Include skin-friendly foods such as berries, walnuts, avocados, and oily fish like salmon into your diet.

Skin Health Matters at MorningStar at Silver Lake

You can spend money on anti-aging treatments and not enjoy the many benefits that are associated with developing healthy skin. By following these four tips, you can prevent your skin from falling victim to the aging process. You can expect to develop wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines as you grow older, but you can wear them with pride knowing you are doing all the right things to maintain healthy skin.Learn more about all the healthcare initiatives implemented at our assisted living facility in Arlington.