Human skin, the biggest organ in the body, serves various protective roles. It allows us to get sensory data about our surroundings, alerts us to injuries, keeps infections at bay, and maintains our bodies’ hydration levels to operate properly. However, the skin’s capacity to carry out these tasks gradually declines as we age. The fat that keeps the skin warm and the blood arteries that provide oxygen to the skin’s surface deplete with time, leaving just the outermost epidermal layer. This leads to skin wrinkling, thinning, and deterioration. Your senior has to focus on skincare no matter what age they are. If they can no longer care for their skin or need help with certain tasks, they may need to consider hiring personal care at home providers to help them.
Dryer air conditions during the winter months may be a problem for everyone, but the elderly may feel the effects more acutely. The absence of humidity increases the danger of dryness, irritation, and pain in already vulnerable skin. It may even lead to cracking and bleeding. Some seniors may want to buy a humidifier for their bedrooms or the room they spend the most time in. This can help prevent a lot of uncomfortable skin conditions.
Lack of Skincare Can be Damaging
They may be less happy in general if their skin is dry. Stress, worry, and sadness may result from constantly itchy, flaky, or broken skin. When a senior’s skin becomes dry and itchy, it may be difficult to relax peacefully because of the constant want to scratch. This is true for those who are predominantly sedentary. Cognitively impaired elders may have additional problems due to itching because they forget that excessive scratching might cause more damage.
Skin Related Issues
When the skin is damaged, as might happen through scratching or not applying enough moisture, the healing process is slowed down, and infections can occur. Dry skin, common in the winter, may hasten the development of skin diseases, including eczema and dermatitis. Dry skin is another risk factor for diabetic ulcers in the elderly population.
How to Take Care of Your Skin as a Senior
If a senior has a hard time getting in and out of the bath, which will help a senior with skincare, they need to consider finding personal care at home to help them. Personal care can help a senior with the following tasks when focusing on skincare.
Use Fragrance-Free Soap– Fragrance can dry out your skin. So using fragrance-free and gentle body wash can help moisturize your skin rather than dry it out.
Use Warm Water– A bath should never be hot or cold. However, lukewarm water can help seniors’ skin maintain natural oils. Hot water can strip the skin of any natural oils, which can create dryness.
Keep Showers Short– You could discover that a daily shower isn’t necessary. Don’t soak in the tub for too long. Relax in the tub for ten minutes. Create a routine with personal care at home that can help a senior with bathing routines.