How to Manage Aging Skin Care in Seniors

It isn’t an aspect of elderly personal care that is as commonly talked about as other tasks, but is vital to keeping seniors healthy nevertheless. Issues with aging skin can lead to many difficulties for seniors, including itching, bruising, discomfort, dryness, and more.

The home care specialists at Endeavor In Home Care work hard to keep older adults safe and healthy from head to toe, and that includes healthy skin. Below, we have shared commonly prevalent aging skin care issues and recommendations to help.

Dryness

According to Medscape, the majority of seniors over age 65 are distressed by dry, flaky, itchy skin, which is the result of a reduction in sweat and oil glands.

How to help:

• The aging adult will benefit from taking fewer showers or baths, utilizing warm (not hot) water, gently drying the skin, and applying moisturizer
• See if “dry bath” products work well for the senior; these are water-free options to cleanse the skin and hair
• Ensure the older person drinks plenty of fluids and uses a humidifier to rehydrate the skin
• Try using more mild soaps and shampoos, such as those with Nizoral for people with special skin conditions, and always apply sunscreen prior to going outdoors
• Avoid:
  • Smoking
  • Perfumes
  • Too much time in the sun
  • Stress

Bruising

Bruising is common in older adults, resulting from thinner skin and a reduction of fat and connective tissue that can contribute to a weakening of the support surrounding blood vessels.

How to help:

• Try to elevate bruised areas as much as possible
• To minimize the inflammation and overall size of a bruise, place a cold compress over the bruise for approximately 20 minutes
• Help the person stop smoking, as smoking diminishes collagen production
• Encourage the senior to get plenty of vitamin C, which boosts collagen

The care team at Endeavor In Home Care has a wealth of experience helping with aging skin care needs, and we are here to provide assistance to senior loved ones through baths/moisturizing, inspecting for changes in the skin, preventing bed sores, and more. Contact us any time online or at (480) 498-2324 for more information about our home care in Mesa and the surrounding areas.