Skin Care for Everyone, Especially Seniors

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on March 27, 2019

Skin Care for Everyone, Especially Seniors

With the natural aging process, the skin becomes thinner and does not look as smooth as it once did. It loses vital components like collagen and elastin. Bones and veins may be more visible. Sagging and bags may appear. Bumps, cuts, and scratches often take longer to heal. And the impact of all those years in the sun can contribute to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and even dangerous skin cancer. Although skin care is important throughout your life, it becomes even more so as you age.

How can you protect your skin, the largest organ in your body? And what can you do to make it feel better and look better?

Older people often suffer from dry, rough, and scaly spots on their skin, predominantly their lower arms, elbows, and lower legs. If the skin becomes too dry, it is prone to cracking and a condition called dermatitis, which allows for penetration of bacteria that can result in infection. Being cognizant of the benefits of some simple lifestyle changes will help improve your skin’s appearance and prevent future damage.

Drink sufficient liquids

Although it is common with age to lose sweat and oil glands, it is important to drink enough liquids to refresh the body and flush out toxins that can cause skin problems. Dehydrated skin is more prone to become dull and dry whereas hydration leads to many aspects of wellness including maintaining your skin’s elasticity and improving overall health.

Eat healthily and exercise regularly

A well-balanced diet is important for many things and has a significant impact on your skin as well. Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants help the skin look good and feel good.  Some of these recommended foods include fruits (e.g., avocados, melons and berries), green vegetables, salmon, and walnuts.  As with general good health, it is important to quit smoking and reduce the amount of alcohol intake. Ask your doctor if you should be taking a multivitamin. Try to add daily exercise to your lifestyle. Walking, gardening and chair aerobics/yoga are some popular choices among seniors.

Limit excessive sun exposure

Remember that skin damage is cumulative. So, the years you have spent sunbathing and avoiding sunscreen may be affecting your skin today. It is important to use a moisturizer with SPF every day and use a stronger sunblock if you are outside. This will help reduce the chances of getting age spots and sunspots and lower the risk of developing any type of skin cancer. You should never use sun lamps or tanning booths and limit your exposure to dry air and climates.

Avoid undue stress and anxiety

Inevitably, stress and anxiety can damage your skin in a number of ways from rashes to breakouts. Be sure to take time to relax and take care of yourself. Getting some fresh air and exercise, or spending time with a hobby or socializing with friends are ways to boost your well-being and to help keep stress levels under control.

Watch for health and medicine-related symptoms

Dry skin can be caused by a myriad of health problems (e.g., kidney disease and diabetes) as well. Certain medicines may also make skin itch and become dry. And since older people have thinner skin, excessive scratching then may lead to bleeding and even infection. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your doctor for guidance.

How to Help Prevent Dry, Itchy Skin

• Invest in a humidifier to add moisture to your room (winter and dry climates can be especially hard on a senior’s skin as the cold, dry air is more apt to cause redness, cracking, and chapping.
• Take fewer showers or baths.
• Use a mild, fragrance-free bath soap or a gentle, soothing cleanser.
• Limit the amount of perfume and antiperspirant used.
• Substitute warm water for hot water when bathing and showering as well as when doing any household chores.
• Avoid frequent use of a jacuzzi and sauna.
• Apply a good hydrating moisturizing skin cream to the face, neck, and arms daily to replenish lost moisture. Use routinely after a bath or shower. Look for one containing natural ingredients and not alcohol-based (e.g., vitamin A, vitamin E, aloe, cucumber extract, and natural antioxidants) and that has an SPF as previously mentioned. If you wear any makeup, make sure to remove it thoroughly each night before cleansing.
• If the moisturizer doesn’t help relieve the dryness, see your doctor. They may prescribe an alpha-hydroxy acid or cortisone-based cream to be used several times a day.
• Avoid wool clothing and wear cotton and natural fiber clothing which has better breathability for the skin.
• Take extra care to avoid developing bedsores, particularly if incontinent or bedridden. Turn the individuals frequently to avoid pressure-sensitive ulcers and change any catheters and absorbent products regularly.

What to Do About Bruises, Wrinkles, and Age Spots

• Talk to your doctor about any bruises that seem to be taking a long time to heal.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to help protect against harmful sun rays.
• Wear sunglasses when out in the sun and get yearly eye checkups to determine whether or not glasses or contact lenses are in order to avoid squinting.
• If any skin tags (small, flesh-colored growths of skin with a raised surface) become irritated or bother you, have them removed.

What to Look for Regarding Signs of Skin Cancer

• Check your skin monthly for any changes such as new growth, a sore that isn’t healing, or a bleeding mole.
• Look for asymmetry (a portion of the growth does not look like the other part), irregular borders, color changes or multi-colors, larger diameter (greater than the size of a pencil eraser), and any itching or tenderness.
• See a dermatologist to rule out cancer or to treat it in the early stages.
• Take precautions by limiting sun exposure during peak times when the sun is the hottest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Use a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 even on cloudy days and reapply at least every two hours or after swimming. Wear protective clothing to shield your neck, ears, head, and eyes. Use an umbrella to provide shade when needed.

In Summary

It is a fact that your skin changes with age, but there are lifestyle choices you can make to keep your skin looking its healthiest. These measures don’t’ have to be complicated or even expensive.  Simply, follow the healthy living and skin tips mentioned above: drink plenty of water, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure, avoid stress and anxiety, watch for health and medicine-related symptoms, seek a physician’s consultation when you have questions, and implement a basic skincare routine. You will have softer, smoother skin and fewer wrinkles and skin damage.

What’s more? Your skin will not injure as easily and it will heal more quickly. Healthier skin will then lead to better physical and mental health in the years to come.

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