November is Healthy Skin Awareness Month, and now is a great time to learn more about why your senior parent sometimes gets those nasty-looking bruises from minor things like hitting a doorframe. If you’ve ever wondered why your parent tends to get very serious-looking bruises from minor accidents, it’s usually because of the way that skin changes as people get older.
As your parent gets older, their skin becomes thinner. The skin loses the layer of fat and collagen below the surface that makes it elastic. And when the skin loses elasticity, even a minor bump or injury can cause blood to pool under the skin. That causes bruises.
What To Do About Bruises
Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent your senior parent from ever having a bump or a bruise. But, good skin care can help your parent keep their skin healthy and boost collagen production so that they can heal quickly.
The best way to ensure your parent is getting good skin care is to provide personal care at home. With personal care at home, your senior parent will have the compassionate support they need to help with hygiene tasks like showering, applying lotion, and protecting their skin from the sun.
Some recommended ways for seniors to keep their skin healthy include:
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is one of the best things anyone can do for their skin. When your parent drinks enough water, it helps their skin stay soft, smooth, and flexible.
Dry, flaky skin often happens when the body doesn’t have enough fluids. Encourage your parent to sip water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Herbal teas, soups, and fruits with high water content also help keep the body and skin hydrated.
Use a Good Moisturizer Daily
Older skin loses oil and moisture more quickly, so using a gentle moisturizer every day is important. Look for fragrance-free creams or lotions made for sensitive or aging skin.
Your parent should apply it after bathing, when the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture. A good moisturizer keeps the skin from drying out, cracking, or feeling tight. A good moisturizer can improve elasticity over time. You can get moisturizer recommendations from your parent’s dermatologist.
Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
What we eat affects how our skin looks and feels. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can support skin health and elasticity.
Make sure your parent is eating fruits and vegetables like berries, carrots, spinach, and avocados, all of which are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin and hair. Nuts, seeds, and fish like salmon are also great choices.
Avoid Long, Hot Showers
While a hot shower might feel relaxing, it can dry out aging skin. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, making it more likely to become dry, itchy, or irritated. Instead, your parent should take shorter showers with warm water. Using a mild, moisturizing soap can also help. After bathing, they should gently pat the skin dry with a towel and apply lotion right away.
If your parent has trouble showering or is afraid of falling in the bathroom, getting personal care at home is a great way to make them feel safer.
Healthy Skin Makes A Difference
Healthy skin isn’t just about looks; it’s part of good overall health. Skin protects the body, helps regulate temperature, and even helps us feel touch. With a few simple habits, your senior parent can keep their skin strong, comfortable, and elastic as they age.
If you or an aging loved one needs Personal Care at Home in Folsom, CA, contact A Better Living Home Care today (916) 514-7006
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