Protecting your skin from the harsh summer sun becomes increasingly important with age. Older skin is thinner, drier, less elastic, more fragile, and doesn’t bounce back quickly from stress and damage.
Aging skin needs more care, too, but don’t worry, it doesn’t take a lot of effort. Good skincare is basically keeping skin hydrated, clean, and moisturized, and you can do that easily with our 6 summer skincare tips for seniors.
Summer Skincare Routine for Seniors
Make these a habit and you’ll soon be feeling good and looking great.
- Drink lots of water
The topmost layer of skin, called the epidermis, is lined with water-storing cells that keep skin supple and soft. Drinking plenty of water fills these cells and hydrates your skin. Well-hydrated skin is healthy and able to recover from injury, cuts, tears, and bruises much faster.
Dry, rough skin means your water intake is not enough. Keep a bottle of water at hand and take small sips throughout the day. You can also ‘eat’ some of your water requirements by snacking on water-rich summer fruits such as melons, peaches, berries of all kinds, and vegetables like cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes.
- Cleanse and moisturize all over
Summer is sweaty and clothes made of non-breathable, synthetic materials can cause sweat to collect in the folds of your skin, especially in the armpits, groin, and between your toes. Dampness and friction can lead to chafing and rashes, which can progress to a common but painful skin condition called intertrigo.
Keep skin clean by showering with an antibacterial soap or body wash. Take the time to dry yourself well, patting gently with a towel instead of rubbing vigorously. Make sure you get between skin folds, in crevices, and between your toes.
Moisturize all over with a lightweight, oil-free, water-based body lotion and finish with a dusting of food-grade starch.
- Cover up
The average adult body is wrapped in about 22 square feet of skin and as you grow older, you need to shield more and more of it from the sun.
Ditch the baseball hats, the flat golfer’s caps, anything with mesh, and those fashionably floppy sun hats made of open-weave straw. A stiff, wide brim all around is necessary to shade your face, ears, and the back of your neck. Breathable, sweat-absorbing cotton is the best material for sun hats, but if you can’t resist a straw or seagrass hat, make sure it’s tightly woven with no gaps or holes.
Dark sunglasses provide an extra layer of protection to the delicate skin around your eyes, while long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants or skirts in a light, natural fabric like cotton will keep your skin cool and protected at the same time.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen
Sunscreens are available in sun protection factors (SPF) starting from 15, going all the way up to 100. However, experts say there’s no need to go to extremes; a broad-spectrum SPF 30 gives plenty of protection and the benefits of going higher are negligible.
The key to getting the most out of your sunscreen is to slather it on liberally and frequently, reapplying after every two hours. Make sure to cover all exposed skin, including the top of your head if you are of The Rock’s persuasion, and your feet.
- Spray on rosewater
Rosewater has long been a skincare staple in sun-soaked Eastern countries because it is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and super refreshing. You can get it premade, or make your own.
Keep a spray bottle filled with rosewater chilling in your refrigerator and spritz it frequently on your face, neck, underarms, even clothes. Have a smaller-sized spray bottle of rosewater to take along when going out in the sun, and spray it on whenever your skin feels in need of a pick-me-up.
Allergies to rosewater are rare, but it is advisable to do a 24-hour patch test first, just to be safe.
Make Rosewater at Home
Wash a cupful of fresh rose petals (1/2 cup if using dried) and place in a pot with enough water to comfortably cover. Simmer on low heat with the lid on for 30 minutes or until the petals have lost all their color. Cool completely, strain, and pour into a spray bottle. If too strong for your liking, dilute with boiled and cooled water. Keep in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.
Aloe vera has a soothing, calming effect on skin and it is widely used to treat several skin conditions. You can get it in many prepared forms, but a potted aloe vera plant gives you all the goodness straight from the source.
To use, take a section of the fleshy leaf, rinse off surface dust and dirt, and carefully cut off the prickly edges. Slice down the center and scrape out the gel. Apply directly to skin. Store leftover gel in the refrigerator.
Aloe vera is generally safe, but do a 24-hour patch test to check for allergies.
Sunning Safely
Avoiding the sun entirely is not feasible. Neither is it advisable, because sunlight is one of the best sources of vitamin D, which we need for strong bones and teeth, and better mental health. Experts recommend that adults aged 65 years and above get at least 15 minutes of sunlight a day, three times a week.
To find out how long you should sunbathe, talk to your care provider. They may advise getting your vitamin D levels tested and based on your results, will be able to guide you better.
Note:
Your vitamin D test may be covered by Medicare if your doctor believes it is medically necessary.