Most seniors have dry, thin, and fragile skin mostly because the skin’s ability to retain moisture reduces with age. If you live in Plano, TX, you know how hot it can get, especially in the summers. The hot weather increases water loss and causes your skin to feel dry, sensitive and irritated.
An article by the New York Post shows that 59% of Americans aren’t confident in their skin. If you want to feel more confident and healthy, consider the right skincare for aging.
Here, we’ll provide elderly skin care tips focusing on hydration to keep your skin radiant.
Use a Moisturizer Designed for Mature Skin
Your skin’s natural moisture barrier becomes less effective with age. So, choosing a moisturizer designed for mature skin is important.
Look for products with hydrating ingredients such as:
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
These ingredients are humectants, so they attract water and lock it in, so your skin stays moist throughout the day.
Many people make the mistake of drying their skin completely after showering. But if you want maximum senior skin hydration, you should moisturize right after bathing or showering while your skin is damp. Doing so allows the product to trap the moisture by creating a barrier.
When moisturizing aging skin, it’s best to use thick creams because they are more effective. Lotions can also be a good choice, but they are often lighter, so you should prioritize those with a significant amount of humectant ingredients.
Always use scent-free moisturizers because fragrance can irritate your skin. Besides, avoid products containing alcohol because they may cause moisture to evaporate.
Avoid Hot Showers and Harsh Soaps
Long, hot showers might feel relaxing, but they will strip your natural oils, leading to dryness. Since your skin is losing the ability to replenish these oils quickly, you should mind your bathing routine.
Use lukewarm water instead of hot, and keep your showers under 10 minutes. Additionally, avoid using harsh soaps that will further dry out your skin. Instead, use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and shower gels for sensitive skin.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Being in the sun for too long dries out your skin, breaks down collagen, and causes pigmentation changes. All these issues make it harder to maintain healthy, hydrated skin.
Use a broad-spectrum mineral or chemical sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 when outdoors in your independent living community. Wearing such a product will protect your skin from UV rays and reduce moisture loss.
Another way to protect your skin is by wearing protective clothing such as:
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Wide-brimmed hats
- Light scarves or shawls on the neck
- Sunglasses
UV protective clothing blocks rays from the sun and protects your skin. Consider wearing such to shield your skin and, if you can, stay in the shade during peak sunlight hours, which is usually 10 am to 4 pm.
Eat Foods That Improve Skin Hydration
Your diet will have a major impact on skin elasticity and health. Foods rich in Omega-3 regulate oil production to avoid skin dryness and irritation. They also support hydration in ways such as:
- Strengthening your skin barrier
- Boosting collagen production
- Promoting cell membrane health
Consider adding these Omega-3-rich foods into your diet:
- Salmon
- Walnuts
- Flaxseeds
- Brussel sprouts
- Soybeans
- Chia seeds
Antioxidants protect your skin from the harsh environment and may improve its ability to retain moisture. Eat foods the following foods because they are rich in antioxidants:
- Spinach
- Nuts
- Kale
- Dark chocolate
- Red grapes
- Carrots
Vitamins will support collagen production and help you repair damage caused by free radicals. Your senior diet should always include foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Use a Humidifier to Add Moisture to Your Room
While Plano, TX, is relatively humid, temperatures can go lower in colder months, causing you to use indoor heating more. The system may dry the air significantly, which in turn strips moisture from your skin.
Use a humidifier in your room to maintain ideal moisture levels and prevent your skin from drying and cracking. However, you should keep the moisture level below 50%, as the CDC recommends, because a higher level can affect your health.
Be Gentle When Exfoliating
Exfoliating removes built-up dead skin cells and makes your skin look brighter. But, when you overdo it, you’ll strip your skin of its natural oils and cause irritation.
Avoid physical exfoliants such as apricot scrubs because they scratch your top skin layer and cause microtears. Opt for products containing mild ingredients such as lactic acid or fruit enzymes. These will remove dead cells without irritating your skin or damaging the moisture barrier.
Tips to Improve Skin Elasticity for the Elderly
As you focus on hydration for mature skin, you shouldn’t forget about improving elasticity because both are vital for your confidence and health. Here are some skin elasticity tips for seniors:
- Improve collagen production by exercising
- Avoid stress
- Get enough sleep
While many people exercise to gain muscle or improve overall health, they don’t know that it’s also great for skin health. Regular physical activity improves blood flow ensuring all your cells get the right nutrients. Strength training activities like yoga can also improve skin’s elasticity and tone muscles.
Stress may cause your body to release cortisol, which breaks down collagen and elastin. Avoid stress by spending more time with your peers or participating in engaging activities for seniors. You could also consider meditation and taking gentle walks in your community.
When you sleep, your skin produces new cells and repairs damaged ones. Get at least 7-9 hours of rest every night to help your skin recover and maintain elasticity.
Embrace Skincare for Aging in a Supporting Community
Investing in the right skincare for aging will help you maintain hydration and radiance. It prevents irritation that may damage your skin barrier and affect your confidence. Eat a vitamin and collagen-rich diet for ultimate skin health. You should also get moisturizers and cleansers formulated for mature skin.
At Conservatory at Plano, we have a community that supports seniors in maintaining their skin health. We offer a rich diet and enclosed game rooms to help you stay fit while avoiding sun damage.
Book a tour today to explore our amenities.
