Protecting your senior loved one's skin from extremely cold temperatures can be an ongoing task. This kind of weather is accompanied by dry air that has an inherent tendency of drawing moisture out of the skin. As your senior loved one's skin naturally lacks some protective functions, here are a few quick fixes:
Wearing Proper Clothing
The best way to protect your senior loved one's skin is to provide them with the proper gear. Layers of clothing are key as they give them freedom of choice when it comes to adjusting dress based on temperature and humidity in the environment.
During extremely cold temperatures, layer warm clothes like subtle sweaters or hoods that cover the skin completely while keeping your senior loved one comfortable. Protective gloves, scarves, and winter caps should also be considered. Snow can cause direct damage to exposed areas such as hands and face, making these items essential for protecting skin during intense weather conditions.
Moisturizing
Keeping your senior's skin moisturized is another effective method of protecting their skin in the cold weather. Moisturizing creams form a barrier on the surface of the skin that helps to lock moisture and prevents excessive water loss due to evaporation.
It also soothes dryness, flaking, redness, and itching, which are common during winter months for your senior loved one. You can also opt for heavy ointments like petroleum jelly instead of lotions. These prevent rough patches while adding an additional layer of protection against harsh elements.
Using Sunscreen
Another step in protecting your senior parent's skin from the cold weather is making sure to use good sunscreen when going outside. Even though you may not feel the heat of direct sunlight, it's important to remember that UV radiation can still permeate through the atmosphere and cause significant damage. Sunscreen with SPF30 or higher helps to shield against harmful rays while adding an extra layer of protection for your senior loved one's skin.
Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is also imperative when it comes to caring for your senior loved one's skin in the winter. Cold weather can cause rapid water loss and dehydration, both of which lead to dry and cracked skin. Ensure that your senior parent drinks enough fluids throughout the day and consumes food sources with high levels of moisture such as fruits or vegetables.
Eating Right
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is key all year round, but during the colder months, it's especially important to feed your senior loved one meals that are both nutritious and full of essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C helps maintain collagen levels in the skin, which ultimately prevents aging. Make sure their diet includes plenty of oranges or other citrus fruits for a delicious dose of Vitamin C.
Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can be very dehydrating. It can quickly sap moisture from your senior loved one's skin, both internally and externally. Limiting your senior parent's alcohol consumption is an easy way to protect their skin from the harsh elements of cold weather.
Partner with Senior Helpers North Idaho to Protect Your Senior Loved One
During the winter season, it's vital to take extra steps to ensure your senior loved one's skin stays healthy and safe from cold weather conditions in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Dalton Gardens, Twin Lakes, Spirit Lake, Athol, and Hauser. Senior Helpers North Idaho wants to help you provide the care your senior loved one needs. Reach out to us now!