Tips to prevent skin from drying during old age Skin is the mirror of our life. It truthfully reflects an individual’s story starting from the bruise marks on their knees in childhood, the pimple spots left by the teenage, to the wrinkles in old age. As the largest organ of the body, skin is one the earliest organs that show the signs of aging. With visible wrinkles to dryness, it constantly reminds us to take care of it in order to delay the symptoms of aging.
Skin, when it is healthy, takes care of the body as a protective shield with its self-healing, elasticity, layered nature. These abilities fade as the person advances in age. That’s why one needs to take care of their skin by putting in constant effort. There is walking to keep our body weight in check, cardio to keep the heart healthy, puzzles to keep the brain sharp. But is there a particular workout for skin? You will find the answer for it and for many questions on dry skin in seniors, skin cancer, bruising in elders, skin care for seniors and for more. Stay with us until the end! Skincare vs cosmetic products Skincare as an industry is worth a whopping $148.3 billion! In today’s world, one could not find a TV show or an event without an advertisement of a cosmetic product. So, with all the skincare products in the market wouldn’t it be too easy to take good care of your skin? You could only wish! Using skincare products is not equivalent to taking care of your skin’s health as a senior. There is more to it.
Why is skincare important for seniors? Although skin-related issues are common in all age groups, seniors are more susceptible to skin conditions, most commonly dry skin, flaky or cracked skin. Skin loses its elasticity in old age as a result of reduced production of Collagen and Elastin - two important components that keep skin flexible. The natural sebaceous glands that produce oil lose their ability to do so over time. All this together causes skin progressively thinner and fragile, leading to dryness and flakiness. What is dryness and why is it common in seniors? Also known as xerosis, dryness in skin is a common symptom of many underlying conditions. However, in most cases these conditions are not serious and skin dryness in seniors can be avoided by following the tips below. ●
Diet that prevents dryness - Skin needs many things right to be a healthy organ even in the aging seniors. It starts from fluids, hormones, nutrients, sleep, stress-free life, and lifestyle habits. The first and foremost thing you should cover is the diet. Skin healthy foods are a great source for collagen that protects skin from getting dried. Mangoes, tomatoes, olive oil and nuts are great foods to keep your skin healthy.
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Sleep right and avoid stress - Sleep is an integral part of health and like many other organs your skin needs it dearly. Skin goes under work and produces more collagen when you are deep asleep. The sleeping process also takes care of the skin repairing by replacing the damaged cells with new ones.
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Stay away from smoking and alcohol - The toxins released into the system as a result of smoking are the direct killers of elastin and collagen. This increases skin dryness. And, a good glass of red wine might be helping your skin in many ways but frequent consumption of alcohol does more damage than you could imagine. So, stay away from both.
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Be careful if you are using medications - Dry skin can be a side effect of many medications used to treat health conditions in seniors. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing too much dryness in your skin and ask for alternatives if there are any.
What are the tips to prevent skin dryness at home? Following a healthy skincare routine is crucial for elders to avoid dry skin. Here are a few tips and steps you could employ in your day-to-day life. ●
Apply moisturizer right after a bath or after washing your hands.
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If you are using skincare products, use only the fragile and fragrance-free products. Better, let your skincare specialist prescribe. If you are washing utensils or dealing with chemicals, use gloves. Wear clothes as per the weather. Avoid direct heat exposure as it dries up your skin.
Frequently asked questions 1. How to address vitamin D deficiency in seniors? Increase nutritional intake, particularly the foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as oily fish, liver, egg yolk, and cereals. Morning walks under the light sun are also recommended. 2. What are the winter tips for seniors? Stay active, stay hydrated, and stay warm - it’s the golden rule for seniors in winter. Use prescribed skin products and avoid going out in cold weather. 3. How to prevent skin dryness? Follow all the tips mentioned in this blog. If the skin condition is not improving, consider consulting a skin specialist. Dry skin can be a symptom of a senior health condition like skin cancer.