Skincare for the elderly

The skin also ages over time. It gets thinner, loses fat and wrinkles form. Spots appear and skin appendages are formed, which are excrescences of skin that rise above the rest of the skin. Bruises also form more easily and wounds take longer to heal which is why skincare is so important at this age.

But the aging of the skin will be more or less evident depending on whether you have sunbathed a lot throughout life, if you do not drink enough water, if you smoke or if you suffer from any type of diseases, such as diabetes or renal pathology. All this makes it easier for the skin to dry, peel and become rough to the touch, causing itching and facilitating the scratching of wounds that can become infected.

Skincare, when you are older, is mainly focused on two aspects: 

1) Hydrate it: the correct hydration of the skin is achieved with a series of measures:

  • Drink at least 2.5 liters of water a day.
  • Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables in the diet.
  • Use a moisturizer after showering or bathing.
  • Use mild soaps for personal hygiene.
  • Use warm water, better than very hot, to shower or bathe.
  • Avoid spaces with very dry environments. A humidifier can be used at home.
  • No Smoking.

2) Protect it from the sun: the harmful effect of ultraviolet radiation from the sun is cumulative, so the older, the greater the risk of melanoma or skin cancer. Also, exposure to the sun and heat favors dehydration, compared to which older people are at greater risk. In this regard, the following precautions should be taken:

  • Limit the time spent in the sun.
  • Use high protection sunscreens.
  • Walk, as far as possible, through the shade and if it is done in the sun dressing in wide clothing, cotton, long sleeves, and very light colors.
  • Use a wide-brimmed hat for walking.

From: Sanitas.es

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