As a person gets older, his or her skin tends to get more sensitive and thus needs extra care and protection. A senior will find that skin care products and methods that were used previously will not necessarily be adequate for the present, as the skin changes as it ages. Following are some simple yet very effective skin care tips for seniors.
1. Eat the Right Foods
Everybody, including seniors, should eat foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These foods not only help the skin look good but also feel good. Particularly helpful foods for the skin include:
- green vegetables
- melons
- berries
- walnuts
- salmon
- avocados
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Although there are lots of conflicting studies about how much water a person should actually drink a day, it is certainly beneficial for a senior to remain hydrated and drink lots of water. Water refreshes the body and flushes out toxins that can cause skin problems.
3. Use a Humidifier
Skin tends to become dry as a person gets older. Winter can be especially difficult for a senior with dry skin, as the cold, dry air can cause redness, cracking and/or chapping. Using a humidifier will eliminate these problems, as it provides needed moisture in the air.
4. Avoid Smoking
Smoking gives the skin a leathery, dry feel; it is also extremely unhealthy for any person of any age. Giving up smoking will help a senior citizen look and feel much better.
5. Sun Protection
The sun will dry out the skin and ruin it almost faster than anything else. Those who value soft, healthy skin should steer clear of tanning salons, wear protective clothing when working in the sun for extended periods of time and invest in a good sunscreen.
6. Keep the Nails Trimmed
Many people inadvertently scratch themselves with long nails. However, as the skin gets older, it takes longer to heal and so a senior will want to be sure to keep nails trimmed to avoid causing self inflicted scratches.
7. Wear Glasses
Those who squint a lot due to sunlight or nearsightedness often develop wrinkles around the eyes. To avoid this, a person should wear sunglasses when out in the sun and get yearly eye checkups to determine whether or not glasses or contact lenses are in order.
8. Sleep on the Back
There are many ways in which a person can sleep, but medical researchers have found that those who sleep with their face on the pillow often develop more wrinkles than those who do not put regular pressure on their face in this way. To avoid pressing on the face and creating wrinkle lines, a person should try to get in the habit of sleeping on his or her back.
9. Avoid Harsh Soaps and Excessive Washing
Most seniors do not lead an overly active life and so do not need to vigorously scrub the skin on a daily basis. Washing the face with water is often sufficient. Purchasing a soft, fragrance-free bath soap is also a good idea.
10. Use a Good Skin Cream
Choosing a good moisturizing skin cream is a must. Such a cream should contain natural ingredients such as:
- vitamin A
- vitamin E
- aloe
- cucumber extract
- natural antioxidants.
This cream should be applied to the face, neck and arms several times a day.
Keeping the skin youthful and healthy does not require expensive treatments such as botox and microdermabrasion. While these treatments can reverse the damage caused by aging, they are expensive and not as safe as they may initially appear. A person who wants to stay looking and feeling young simply needs to follow the healthy living and skin care tips outlined above. These tips will not turn back the clock but will provide a person with softer, smoother skin and reduce wrinkles and skin damage.
Source: http://www.retireathome.com
No comments:
Post a Comment