September is National Skin Care Awareness Month

Caregiver Skokie IL
 
As your loved one ages, their skin is likely to go through many different changes which can make skin care more complicated.  September is observed as National Skin Care Awareness Month to encourage people of all ages to take the steps to make their skin more healthy.   However, elderly adults may have more skin concerns to address in order achieve healthy skin.  Caregivers can certainly help their elderly loved ones to keep their skin as healthy as possible.  Here are just a few skin care tips for the caregivers of elderly adults. 
 
Sun Protection 

The sun can be very damaging to skin, especially for elderly adults.  Sun exposure over time is what leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, sun spots, and skin cancer.  To protect the skin from these conditions, especially skin cancer, it is important for caregivers to encourage their loved ones to take precautions when they will be out in the sun.  It is a great idea for your loved one to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it 30 minutes before sun exposure.  Sunscreen should also be reapplied every 2 hours.  Other things your loved one can do to protect themselves from the sun include wearing protective clothing and a hat, staying in the shade, and avoiding the peak sun times in the middle of the day.  You can help your loved one to perform a skin self-exam by looking for any moles or spots that seem to be new or changing.   
 
Moisturizing 

Because adults lose oil glands as they age, dry and itchy skin can be a concern among elderly adults.  To prevent skin from getting very dry, itchy, flaky, and uncomfortable, it is a great idea for elderly adults to keep baths and showers warm but not hot and to limit their duration and frequency.  After bathing, they should apply a gentle moisturizing cream.  In addition, using a humidifier in the home can help your loved one to have less dry skin.   
 
Preventing Bedsores 

Bedsores can be a concern for elderly adults who have trouble moving by themselves. Bedsores (also called pressure ulcers) can develop on the skin when a person sits in a chair or lies in bed for long periods of time.  Those with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing bedsores.  Bedsores can be prevented when you assist your elderly loved one in moving or changing positions frequently. 
 
Source: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/elderly-skin-conditions#1 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Caregiver Services Skokie IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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