The weather will soon be changing, and now is a great time to make sure that your senior parent has a good skincare routine in place to protect their skin from the sun. Even if your mom or dad doesn’t spend a lot of time outside, they need to have a sun skincare routine in place.
The sun can be very damaging to senior skin because it’s so fragile. As people age, their skin naturally loses elasticity and moisture. This can make your mom or dad’s skin prone to itchiness, dryness, and redness. And it can also raise their risk of skin cancer.
Medications can also make your mom or dad’s skin much more sensitive to sunlight. Some medications make seniors prone to sunburn, skin damage, or overheating if they spend time in the sun.
Personal care at home is a great way to make sure your mom or dad is appropriately dressed for the weather and has done their skincare routine. With personal care at home, your mom or dad gets the support they need to handle hygiene tasks like washing their face, applying moisturizer every day, brushing their teeth, and showering.
Some skin care tips that will help seniors protect their skin from sun damage and exposure in the spring and summer include:
Wear Protective Clothing
One of the best ways for seniors to prevent sun damage to their skin is to cover up. Encourage your parent to wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when they go outside, even if they’re just walking to the car.
Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen are great choices for staying cool while still protecting the skin. Clothes with built-in UV protection are also available and can provide extra defense against harmful rays.
Use Sunscreen Every Day
Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach—it should be used every day, especially in the spring and summer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Remind your parent to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including the face, neck, hands, and ears. If your mom or dad needs help applying creams and lotions because they have poor manual dexterity or low flexibility, personal care at home can help. A moisturizer with SPF already in it is a great option for daily use.
Wear a Wide-Brimmed Hat and Sunglasses
A wide-brimmed hat provides shade and helps protect the face, neck, and ears from sunburn. Look for hats with at least a three-inch brim for the best coverage. Sunglasses are also important because the sun can damage the eyes and increase the risk of cataracts. Make sure your mom or dad has a few pairs of sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect their vision.
Keep Skin Hydrated
The sun can dry out the skin, making it more prone to damage. Encourage your parent to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep their skin hydrated from the inside out.
Using a fragrance-free moisturizer throughout the day can also help maintain soft, healthy skin. After spending time outdoors, applying aloe vera or a hydrating lotion can soothe the skin and prevent dryness.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home in Palm Beach County, FL, please contact the caring staff at Elite Senior Home Care today at (561) 570-6613
