Winter offers plenty to love, including cozy sweaters, gorgeous snowfall, the fun of the holidays, and a wonderful excuse to stay inside with a warm cup of tea. Unfortunately, it also has some real downsides. For example, does your skin become more difficult to care for when it gets cold outside? Chilly weather and dry air can be a recipe for disaster where your skincare is concerned. Seniors are especially susceptible to cold-weather skin issues, which can make the chilliest season of the year uncomfortable. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to make your skin look and feel better in the colder months. These winter skin care tips for seniors will get you started.
How to Hydrate and Protect Your Skin in Winter
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
One of the reasons that winter is brutal on senior skin is the lack of moisture in the air. Not only is it less humid outside, but the heating systems we use to keep ourselves comfortable indoors also have a tendency to dry out the air. As a result, your skin will be thirstier during the winter months. To avoid the discomfort of dry skin, it’s a good idea to moisturize regularly with a product formulated for seniors. Be sure to use moisturizer at least once a day and after every shower to help your skin lock in hydration.
Protect Your Skin from the Elements
You’ve probably heard a lot from your doctor about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun during the summer. However, you may not be aware that there are other elements your skin needs to be protected from during the winter, too:
- Before going outside on a cold day, ensure that your skin is covered to avoid excess chill and windburn. Hands, feet, and facial skin are the most vulnerable.
- When spending time outside in the winter, dress in layers. Be sure your top layer is windproof and insulating for additional weather protection.
- Sunscreen isn’t just for the summer. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate cloud cover and can also reflect off of snow and ice to damage your skin. You should continue to use daily sunscreen no matter what.
Hydration Is Key
Staying hydrated is important for many of the systems in your body, including your skin. It can be hard to remember to drink enough water in the winter, but it’s vital to your skin health to find some strategies to stay hydrated:
- Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day unless you have been advised by a medical professional to limit consumption. If you aren’t sure how much water you should be drinking, talk to your doctor.
- Tired of drinking water? There are also plenty of hydrating foods you can add to your daily menu, like fruits and vegetables or soups. Don’t overlook hot beverages, either. A cup of hot tea can be a hydrating treat on a cold day!
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We hope these winter skincare tips for seniors will keep you looking and feeling good all winter long. And if you want to see what life is like in a community where your health always comes first, visit us at the Gables on Pelham.
Are you planning to retire in Greenville, South Carolina? Be sure to check out The Gables on Pelham, a continuing-care retirement community that welcomes seniors from all walks of life. We offer flexible and personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. You’ll love our cozy accommodations, fun-filled events calendar, and welcoming community atmosphere. To learn more, please schedule a tour or call us at 864-713-1377.