Skin Care Tips For Seniors
No matter what season it is or what region of the world that you live, it is always important to protect your skin, especially as a senior.
Since the sun isn’t only dangerous in the summer – skincare is a constant necessity to stay healthy and happy. Don’t discount the importance of sunscreen in the winter, even if you’re just going outside for 30 minutes, apply a layer of sunscreen to exposed skin. Make sure the product has both UV-A and UV-B ray protection. Also, be sure to use an SPF 30 or more, as anything below will not do much to protect your skin. Try to apply the coat of lotion at least 30 minutes before you plan to go outside, so your skin has enough time to absorb. Sunscreen should be reapplied every hour and a half, especially with excessive sweating or time in the water or sand (MD Anderson Center).
Even when sunscreen is applied, it may not be enough. Try clothing with long sleeves and pant legs made with thin, active material designed to be cool even in the heat of summer. This way, your arms and legs are covered and sunscreen can be applied to the hands, neck and face.
Wrinkles are just a part of getting older. But, this process speeds up when one is a user of cigarettes or spends too much time in the sun. Therefore, while you cannot avoid the wrinkling of skin, you can avoid these risk factors that make the process occur earlier.
With increased age, skin can also become very dry and itchy, which is extremely uncomfortable. Dry skin is a result of sun exposure, low humidity and overuse of soaps and perfumes. To avoid this, invest in a quality lotion and apply it throughout the day to your arms and legs and other dry areas.
How do you or your loved ones care for their skin to avoid sun damage, wrinkling or dry and itchy skin?
Sources: MD Anderson Center: http://www.mdanderson.org/