Especially if you are like us and live in South Florida, the summers are hot. In fact, they are some of the hottest months of the year. With the heat, obviously, comes the sun and other skin irritants. Although the sun, in moderation, is healthy, it’s not so healthy to our skin. Dryness, irritation, sunburn and even cancer can be acquired from too much sun. Although everyone should be careful about how much sunlight they are exposed to, seniors should be even more protected from the sun during the summer. Before taking advantage of the hot summer days and the burning sunshine, there are a few skin care summer safety tips for seniors that should be considered.
Always Wear Sunscreen
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are harmful to any skin, but a senior’s skin is even more susceptible to dryness and irritation brought on by sunlight. Sunscreen helps to block the sun’s harmful rays from affecting the skin if applied often enough. Before going outdoors, seniors should apply sunscreen to any area exposing skin with at least a 15 sun protection factor. Additionally, the sunscreen should be applied frequently; about every two hours or so. This will keep the skin from drying out and also acquiring sun damage like sunburn.
Keep Drinking Water
Along with offering harmful ultraviolet rays, the sun can also drain us of our energy. Sith scorching temperatures, our bodies release the water stored in sweat. Also, the sun can raise body temperatures to a dangerous degree. To fight against dehydration, seniors outside in the sun should always have water. Make sure to drink before, during and after your outdoor adventures this summertime to keep the skin and body healthy.
Stay Away from too Much Sun
The sun can help us to produce vitamin D, which is responsible for managing our moods and contributes to feelings of happiness. Although this is fine and well, too much sun is damaging to the skin and can bring about dehydration, no matter how much sunscreen you put on and water you drink. When the sun begins to be too much, find shade and catch your breath before returning back into the sunlight. Also, wearing headgear is a great way to keep the sun off the face, where sensitive skin may be subjected to heat.
Preventing Skin Cancer
If you take all of these steps, you are on your way to keeping your skin healthy and hydrated this summer. But, we all know a person who uses the summer months to get as bronzed as they can, lying in the sun for hours on end. To protect senior skin from developing skin cancer, opt out of getting too much sun and pass on the sun tanning. It’s better to live a longer, healthier life than one cut short due to too much sun!
Treating Damaged Skin
If you’re reading this too late, you or a senior loved one may have already had enough sun this summer. For dry or irritated skin from the sun, aloe works wonders. There are many different kinds of aloe products on the market, but the gel and lotion options are the best for sunburn. Just rub into the affected skin frequently throughout the day to reduce pain and also the risk for peeling skin.
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors besides Sun Protection
When I think of summer in South Florida I not only think of the heat, but I also think of the critters. Mosquitos and other bugs can be aggravating. But to seniors, they can be even more of a challenge with sensitive skin. Make sure before you or your senior loved one go on outdoor adventures, you invest in some sort of bug repellant option.
Summer Safety Tips for Seniors: Get the Help of a Caregiver
If you or a senior loved one needs help with sun protection this summer, a caregiver may be able to provide assistance or to offer more summer safety tips for seniors. If you are interested in receiving a referral from our nurse caregiver registry, please contact us today at 561-717-7224.