The winter months are known for being harsh on the skin at any age. Strong, cold wind and low humidity outside can decrease the moisture in your skin. With cold temperatures outside, it’s common to turn the heat up inside which can also dry out your skin. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, and we lose water more easily. This means that in the winter, older adults are already more susceptible to irritated and dry skin. It’s important to keep our skin healthy to help us stay protected against harmful things. To learn more about the role our skin plays in keeping older adults healthy and important winter skin care tips, we talked to Christina McGee, the Director of Nursing at Riddle Village.
“Keeping your skin healthy during the winter months helps to fight off unhealthy invaders and promotes long-lasting skin integrity,” Christina said. “Fragile or open skin in the elderly can take longer to heal if left untreated. Drinking fluids, eating a proper diet, and exercising promotes a good foundation of mechanics to your skin integrity.”
Skincare is important year-round, but the winter months bring with it new challenges for maintaining healthy skin. From diet and lifestyle to moisturizers and creams, continue reading for tips you can incorporate in your daily life to be your healthiest self.
Moisturize
Moisturizing skin helps it to heal if it has already been damaged, and it helps to protect it and keep it healthy to avoid any future problems. The best way to keep skin moisturized is to incorporate a daily skin routine to your regimen. This will help you to get into the habit of taking care of your skin, and it’s a good way to make sure you are always stocked with the products you need. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should opt for a creamy, fragrance-free ointment formulated for dry skin and apply it right after showering and throughout the day. Moisturizing helps ease dryness and restore your skin’s protective barrier. Christina recommends focusing on your arms, legs, face, and hands.
Sunscreen
Even though the temperatures drop, the sun and its rays are still a strong threat to our skin. Sunscreen can help to prevent new age spots and blotchy skin. It can also reduce dry, thinning skin, and reduces your risk of developing skin cancer. Always wear the proper clothing when you’re outside, including hats and sunglasses when necessary, and stay in shaded areas as much as possible. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be worn year-round and can be applied daily during your moisturizing skincare routine.
Hydrate
Every organ in the body needs water to function properly, including our largest organ! Water helps the skin avoid drying out. In addition to staying well hydrated, you may also want to focus on eating foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin cells according to Healthline. You should also pay attention to how your diet relates to the amount of water you drink each day. Christina says coffee can be especially important to monitor since it has a diuretic effect.
“If you are a coffee drinker, make sure you also get your recommended dose of water each day, especially during the dry and cold winter months,” Christina said.
Watch the Temperature
When the weather outside is cold, our instincts are to turn up the heat and adjust the water temperature accordingly. However, this quick relief actually does more harm than good for our skin. According to the Baylor College of Medicine, hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils faster than lukewarm water and possibly even cause damage. While a long, hot shower may be exactly what you want after a cold winter day, try easing up the temperature and patting your skin dry afterward instead of rubbing it hard. Keep your house comfortable and warm, but consider purchasing a humidifier to help add moisture back into the air.
Here at Riddle Village we are dedicated to providing helpful information for you and your loved ones. If you’re looking for a wonderful place to retire in, we’d love to talk and schedule a visit, so give us a call today at 610-891-3700.