Enjoy the Summer Without the Sunburn: Summer Skincare for Older Adults

With summer on the way, nearly everyone is looking forward to enjoying some fun in the sun. However, while fresh air and sunshine can be beneficial for both mental and physical health, it's vital to take precautions to protect your skin from the sun's intense ultraviolet rays.

Many people seem to feel that as they age, they can quit worrying about the effects of sun exposure. However, protecting your skin from the sun is essential at any age, and older adults are especially vulnerable.

As we age, it's vital to take care of ourselves to stay strong and healthy and prolong our lives. Our skin becomes thinner and more sensitive to sun exposure as we age. Damage from UV exposure is cumulative and increases skin cancer risk over time. In addition, older U.S. adults have the highest rates of skin cancer, with nearly one of five Americans developing skin cancer by age 70.

While it's crucial to enjoy the outdoors, at Senior Helpers Metairie, we encourage seniors to take precautions to protect their skin from the sun.

Keep Plenty of Water Nearby

One of the most important things you can do to protect the health of your skin is to be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. While dehydration can affect anyone, seniors are particularly vulnerable because our body's ability to retain water changes as we age. As a result, even low to moderate activities such as walking, spending time outside, or taking a long drive requires plenty of water in the summer months.

Pay Attention to Medication

Some prescription medications can affect how a person reacts to the sun. Therefore, it's essential to read the labels on any medication you take before heading out into the sun. Additionally, some medicines are heat sensitive, and high temperatures, such as those found inside cars parked in the sun, can impact their effectiveness.

Wear Sunscreen

Older adults who enjoy spending time in the sun should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you are spending the day outside, providing adequate skin protection means reapplying your sunscreen every two hours. In addition to sunscreen, wearing light colors and natural fabrics can also protect your skin and keep you comfortable when spending time outside during the warmer months.

Keep Your Skin Moisturized

The summer heat can be intense in Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans, and Westwego, Louisiana. Often, it's necessary to stay in the cool air conditioning, at least during the hottest parts of the day, but cold air from your air conditioner can dry out your skin. If you spend most of your time in an air-conditioned room, you can help keep your skin smooth, soft, and well-hydrated with a quality skin moisturizer.

Senior Helpers Metairie

Since your skin becomes more delicate and vulnerable with age, it's vital for older adults to protect their skin from damage. Older adults should take special precautions to limit their sun exposure and protect their skin when enjoying the sunshine. To learn more about how you can enjoy the summer without the sunburn, contact us today at Senior Helpers Metairie.