Winter Skin Care Tips for Seniors

While there is quite a bit of chatter around summer skin care tips for seniors, one season that can be forgotten is winter. The fact is, the dry, windy conditions in winter can be extremely damaging for a senior’s skin. While elderly care providers can recommend some lotions to help combat these issues, there are also a number of other step that seniors can take to minimize dry, itchy skin during the winter months. Using Bella Aura skin care products is a great way for you to keep your skin looking great in any season.

Seniors need to take extra care of their skin to keep it moist in the winter. (Photo: Sixty and Me)

Avoid using hot water

There are quite a few elements that work together during the winter that can cause dryer skin than normal. The windy cold conditions create a climate that is dryer, and the heating systems in a senior’s home can remove moisture from the air, too. While there is no way to control the environmental factors, there is one thing that a senior can adjust: how much hot water they use. While taking showers and baths in extremely hot water can feel nice, it should be avoided to help achieve healthier skin. Rather than using steaming hot water, opt for lukewarm or warm water.

Use a humidifier

A quick and effective way to adjust the effects of a dry environment in a senior’s home is to add a humidifier. The humidifier will put moisture into the air that surrounds a person, which will work to minimize how dry their skin is and feels. While this will not affect the dry, often harsh conditions found outside, it will, at least, alleviate one of the common issues of winter weather.

Where protection when outside

Prior to going outdoors this winter, a senior should ensure they are covered from top to bottom. This will help them remain comfortable and avoid the potential that they will catch a cold. However, this will also help to protect the senior’s skin. Faces, necks and hands of seniors usually have the most fragile and thinnest skin, which means they should bundle up with hats, scarves, mittens and gloves.

Eat the right diet

The foods that a senior eats can affect the health of their skin. During the winter months it is just as important to drink water as it is in the summer months. Remaining well-hydrated will help to keep the body healthy and functioning properly at all times. It is also important to eat certain foods, such as leafy greens, berries and citrus fruits since they have plenty of vitamin C, which helps to increase the production of collagen. Another great food for superior skin health is foods that are full of Omega-3 fatty acids. This means fish, produce and nuts should also be on the menu.

Article by John Pallister