5 Summer Skincare Tips for Seniors

 

Spending more time outdoors in the summer has its advantages for seniors. More natural exposure to vitamin D, more opportunities to be active and a healthy summer glow – as long as you take the proper precautions to protect your skin. As the warm sun rays beckon us outdoors, it is important to remember that older adults require extra care and attention when it comes to their skincare routine. With age, our skin becomes more vulnerable to damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays, dehydration, and other environmental factors. In this article, we will take a closer look at five essential summer skincare tips specifically tailored to seniors. 

• Shield your skin from the sun.

The sun’s rays are strongest during the summer months, making it crucial for seniors to protect their skin from harmful UV radiation. Older adults should make it a habit to wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to shield their skin from direct sunlight. Additionally, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to exposed areas, such as the face, neck, and hands. A senior community like Lester Senior Living in Whippany can play a vital role in reminding and assisting seniors in applying sunscreen before they venture outdoors.

• Stay hydrated.

Proper hydration is vital during summer months to prevent dehydration and maintain healthy skin. Seniors often have a decreased sense of thirst, so it’s even more important to remind them to drink water regularly. Our compassionate staff members at Lester Senior Living monitor the time seniors spend outdoors in the heat and actively remind them to stay hydrated throughout the day. If your loved one does not live in an assisted living community, encourage them to carry a big water bottle with them and set reminders to drink water at regular intervals throughout the day.

• Maintain a gentle skincare routine.

Older adults should adopt a gentle skincare routine during the summer months to protect their skin’s integrity. Harsh soaps and cleansers can strip away essential oils, leading to more dryness and irritation. We recommend using mild, fragrance-free cleansers that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Seniors should also use a moisturizer after cleansing to help replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. 

• Seek shade and schedule outdoor activities wisely.

Encourage your loved one to limit their time outdoors during the peak hours of the day when the sun’s rays are most intense. Suggest enjoying outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is less harsh. On top of this, seniors should seek shade whenever possible, especially if they are engaging in outdoor activities. If your loved one lives at home, scope the area to make sure there are shaded spots for them to take cover. If not, we suggest investing in a beach umbrella or outdoor umbrella with a stand so that you can easily reposition the umbrella throughout the day. At Lester Senior Living, we have a beautiful, shaded gazebo outside where we hold many group activities throughout the year. If the sun becomes too hot, one of our caregivers will assist our residents to a more shaded area outside or take them inside for a break. 

• Pay attention to changes in your skin.

Part of summer skincare includes being proactive about detecting new skin conditions. Any new or evolving moles, spots, or lesions should be promptly evaluated by a dermatologist. Early detection and treatment of skin conditions, such as skin cancer, are crucial for successful outcomes. Since our caregivers develop interpersonal relationships with each resident, they will be able to quickly pinpoint any suspicious looking spots on seniors in our care. They can even set up a dermatologist appointment for a resident and recommend the best route for treatment of a new skin condition. 

Protecting seniors from the sun at Lester Senior Living

As you can see, seniors can absolutely enjoy the sunny season while safely protecting their skin from harmful UV rays and dehydration. The care and attention provided by a senior community, like Lester Senior Living in Morris County, are invaluable in ensuring the well-being of seniors during a heat wave. By monitoring their time spent outdoors, reminding them to drink water regularly and recommending a gentle skincare routine, Lester can play a major role in safeguarding seniors’ health. 

To learn more about how we care for seniors in New Jersey, please call JCHC today and visit our website at: https://jchcorp.org

Original Source: https://jchcorp.org/5-summer-skincare-tips-for-seniors/