How to Protect Your Skin in Victoria, BC

Uncategorized  |  May 10, 2018

Safeguard Skin in Summer

Everyone tends to be happier when summer approaches, including our older friends in long term care. People can get outdoors again and take advantage of activities in warmer weather. Getting plenty of time outdoors has physical and emotional health benefits. However, the sun can be detrimental to skin, and even more so for aging skin. Therefore, older people must be protected from the UV rays of summer. Here are some recommendations for safeguarding skin in summer:

Be Gentle with Older Skin

People will generally sweat more in warmer months, which means that those in long term care will need some assistance in keeping their skin fresh and clean. Fortunately, there are numerous brands of gentle cleansers especially created for sensitive skin. These types of cleansers are recommended when older skin become more fragile. Skin gets thinner because of less collagen and elastin during the aging process. When the skin becomes delicate, be cautious to prevent ripping by never scrubbing and always gently patting dry with soft towels.

Moisturize Every Day

We tend to remember moisturizing in the winter, but often forget about it in summer. Keep in mind that air conditioning actually dries skin out as much as furnace heat so moisturize skin every day.

Sunscreen Protection

Our aging adults in long term care need sunscreen application when outside for more than a few minutes. Prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and other heat-related conditions during the summer. It’s more challenging for older skin to recover from the sun and heat.

Drink 6 to 8 Glasses of Water

Drinking adequate amounts of clean water helps to purify the body and skin of toxins that naturally occur from our daily environment. Those in long term care who drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily tend to have noticeable improvements in skin tone.

Keep Out of the Heat

Aging adults in long term care are best remaining inside to avoid the midday heat and sun. Hot afternoon sun can quickly cause harm to older skin and creates a danger of heat sickness, too. If an older adult in long term care wants to be outdoors in summer heat, limit it to a brief amount of time.

Following these tips for aging adults will reduce dry skin, additional risk of skin cancer, and other conditions that might be easily prevented. Keeping youthful-looking skin helps our older friends feel better about the way they look, as well.

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