In the Utah summer months, it can be difficult to keep skin feeling fresh and soft. This is especially true in a megadrought, but that doesn’t mean that having happy skin is impossible. Senior skin care routines are an excellent way to make sure that the summer heat doesn’t ruin your season.
Senior Skin Care
As one ages, it becomes more difficult to keep skin rejuvenated. As people approach their 60s and 70s, skin becomes thinner and doesn’t retain water as well. This can be exacerbated by the medications in the daily regimen and by other underlying medical conditions. Despite the challenge, there are many tools available to keep up on senior skin care.
Humidifier
This handy little gadget is particularly important to keep around in the arid atmosphere of Utah. a humidifier will keep the moisture content in the air at levels that are healthy for skin. Try setting the humidity levels in your home between 45% and 60% as part of your senior skin care routine.
Bathe
Is there anything more soothing than a warm bath? While a dip in the tub can certainly help maintain cleanliness, it can also be very helpful to mental health and senior skin care. Use warm not hot water: warm water will absorb well into the skin but hot water has the tendency to dry skin out. Keeping the bath relatively short will also help to absorb moisture without overdoing it.
When it comes to soaps, use gentle ones that contain compounds that help reduce dryness. These include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and lanolin. There are hundreds of moisturizing soaps on the market that smell wonderful. When applying them, use a soft cloth as opposed to a loofa as cloths are gentler on the skin.
When the time in the tub is done, pat your skin dry—do not rub it. This makes sure that some of the moisture on the skin remains, which you can trap in with lotion or moisturizer.
Lotion and Moisturizer
To keep the benefits of a warm bath with you long after you’ve gotten out, it’s important to be consistent in applying lotion and moisturizer. The best time to apply is within three to five minutes after getting out of the bath or shower. This traps in moisture and can help to restore the skin barrier that may have been disrupted by soap or rigorous cleaning.
The key to applying lotion is generosity. Apply it all over, and do not be stingy in the amounts you rub in. The perfect lotion and moisturizers will depend on your skin and your preference. Find the ones that are right for you.
Shield Your Skin From the Sun
Sitting in the shade is not just a good way to keep cool; it also protects your skin from the damaging UV rays of the sun. Opt for the shade when it is available. When it is not, be generous and consistent when applying sunscreen. The best blocks are broad-spectrum and water-resistant, and an SPF of 30 or higher should give good coverage. Apply sunscreen to any skin that will not be covered by clothing.
If you plan to be outside for long periods of time, reapply sunscreen every two hours to protect your skin. The time of day you’re outside affects how dangerous UV rays are. The sun’s rays are most direct between 10 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.
Go Fragrance-Free
A dash of cologne can add appeal and build self-confidence, but as you consider your senior skin care plan, you may choose to go without. As fragrant as they are, colognes and perfumes can dry out the skin. Even aromatic additives to lotions and soaps can have the same effect. Consider other options for smelling good: an orchid in the buttonhole or orange blossom shampoo.
Visit the Dermatologist
There is nothing like a professional opinion. If you are looking for the perfect senior skin care routine, consult a dermatologist you trust. A doctor of the skin will also be able to find out if you have any underlying conditions to keep in mind as you take care of your skin. It’s always best to seek regular professional help.
Care Together at Leisure Villas
At Leisure Villas, our calling card is communities that truly care about each other. As you build or refine your senior skin care regimen, you might choose to make it a group effort. Collaborate with your friends as you find soaps and lotions you enjoy, and meet together in the shade or in humidity-controlled rooms. Doing so can make developing your skin care routine fun.