Winter Skin Care Suggestions for Older Adults
As winter’s chill sets in, older adults often face unique skin care challenges. For a variety of reasons, including reduced oil production, thinner skin, and slower healing, aging skin is more susceptible to cold air, dry indoor heat, and winter wind. These elements can take a toll on your skin, leaving it feeling tight, dry, and irritated.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect and nourish your skin during the winter. Here are some tips to keep skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing all season long.
Caring for Aging Skin in the Winter
- Hydrate your skin, inside and out
One of the most important things you can do for your skin in winter is to stay hydrated. As the air becomes drier, moisture in your skin evaporates more quickly, leading to dryness and irritation. While applying a rich moisturizer is essential, internal hydration is just as important.
Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you aren’t much of a water drinker, consider incorporating hydrating foods, such as fruits (like oranges and berries) and vegetables (like cucumbers and spinach), into your diet.
- Choose a gentle, moisturizing cleanser
As we age, our skin becomes more delicate and loses some of its natural oils. Harsh cleansers can strip the skin of what little moisture it has. During winter, look for cleansers that are soap-free and designed for dry or sensitive skin. Cream-based or oil-based cleansers work well because they don’t strip the skin of its natural oils. You could also try some of the newer cleansing balms, designed to moisturize while also cleaning your skin.
- Moisturize your skin often
Moisturizing is the cornerstone of winter skin care, especially for older adults. As we age, the skin’s ability to retain moisture declines. To combat this, use a rich, emollient moisturizer that helps lock in moisture and prevent dehydration.
Apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face or showering, when your skin is still damp, to lock in hydration. For extra protection, consider using an overnight hydrating mask or a thick layer of balm on particularly dry areas like elbows, knees, and hands.
- Use sunscreen every day
It’s easy to forget about sunscreen during the winter months, especially when the sun seems less intense. However, harmful UV rays can damage the skin even on overcast days or in snow, which can reflect up to 80% of UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can accelerate skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Make it a habit to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even when indoors.
- Humidify your living space
Indoor heating can cause the air in your home to become very dry, which exacerbates skin dryness. To counteract this, consider using a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom while you sleep. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, helping to keep your skin hydrated overnight. Make sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
- Protect your skin from heat
Although a hot shower may feel good in the winter, hot water can strip your skin of natural oils. Try to reduce your shower temperature and bathe in lukewarm water instead. Keep showers short—around 10 to 15 minutes—and avoid using strong soaps, which can further dry out the skin.
In addition, try to avoid using space heaters or electric blankets directly on or near your skin. They can also dry out the skin and lead to irritation. Keep a bowl of water a safe distance away from heating sources to help maintain moisture in the air.
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