6 Winter Skin Care Tips for Seniors in Miami-Dade

Posted by Scott Cantin in elderly care | 0 comments

The harsh winter weather can be particularly destructive to a senior’s sensitive skin. As your body’s first line of defense against infections and germs, maintaining healthy skin may seem harder for seniors in Miami-Dade during winter. The cold weather can strip the skin of its vital moisture, leaving it vulnerable to dryness, cracking, and itching. Staying home also makes things worse as the heating devices you use reduces your home’s humidity level. Fortunately, there are ways you can help protect your skin and keep it healthy during the cold season. In this post, the team at Advancare will help seniors and family caregivers learn a few winter skin care tips.

1. Moisturize Frequently

Seniors are likely to lose moisture much earlier than younger people, which can cause dryness and many other skin conditions. Therefore, they must moisturize their skin in the winter months. The lotion provides the protection needed. However, you should seek heavier creams or ointments if you’re worried about not getting enough moisturization. Just be sure to check the ingredients to ensure no elements work against your skin’s health. Apply moisturizer immediately after a shower to lock in hydration and cover the areas with warm, comfortable clothing.

2. Keep Your Body Hydrated

Dehydration is not just a summer concern. You can get dehydrated even in the colder months. Don’t skip drinking water because it’s cold outside. If you’re unable to take cold water, you can warm it to a comfortable room temperature and drink it to keep your body hydrated from the inside out. Experts recommend taking the regular eight glasses of water a day unless you have a medical condition that limits your fluid intake. You can also stay hydrated by drinking other forms of fluids like soups.

3. Bundle up

The best way to protect your skin in the colder months is to stay warm by covering as much skin as possible. Exposed skin is vulnerable to windburn, which can lead to painful chapped skin. Dress in warm, comfortable clothes, covering your ears, neck, and legs, especially when running errands outdoors. This helps protect the skin, keep moisture in, and prevent dryness.

4. Short and Warm (Not Hot) Showers

Warm steamy baths offer the best way to relax in winter. However, you shouldn’t stay in the shower for too long. Taking too long in the showers and baths can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture. Be careful with the water temperature when washing or bathing, and use mild soap and other bathing products that minimize skin irritation and dehydration.

5. Humidify

Room humidifiers add moisture back to your dry skin. Artificially heated air is often too dry, which also contributes to dry skin. Full-room humidifiers help soothe dry, flaky, and inflamed skin. It also prevents scratchy eyes and inflamed airways. Read the instructions for use carefully to avoid breathing germs and bacteria.

6. Sunscreen, Yes, Even on Winter Days

Sunscreen is a popular product for summer, but did you know you can use it during winter? Even if it’s not that hot, you still need to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. UV rays can still cause damaging sunburns despite the cloudy, overcast conditions.

For more information about caring for seniors in Miami-Dade and other caregiving tips, contact Advancare today!