Personal Care at Home – The Importance of Sunscreen and Why Seniors Need it Everyday
Sunscreen is essential for protecting against the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days, and people of all ages, including seniors, need to use sunscreen every day. This is especially important for seniors as their skin changes with age. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to remember, and some seniors might not understand the importance. However, with the help of personal care at home, they can add sunscreen to their daily routine and ensure they’re always protected.
Why Do Seniors Need Sunscreen?
The skin becomes more fragile, thinner, and more likely to get damaged with age. Also, age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and drooping skin can happen due to aging and being in the sun for a long time. Using sunscreen regularly can help slow down these signs of aging and keep the skin looking healthy. Consider the following ways that sunscreen is essential.
Protection from UV radiation: As mentioned, no matter what age people are, long-term and repeated contact with UV radiation can harm their skin. Melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can kill, is known to be caused by UV rays. Seniors might have an increased risk of skin cancer, especially if they’ve spent more time in the sun over their lives. Some seniors might not like sunscreen due to its sometimes greasy texture. With the help of personal care at home, they can find one they like.
Sunburn prevention: Older people typically have more sensitive skin, which makes them more likely to get sunburn. Sunburn is not only painful, but it can also cause long-term damage to the skin. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) helps avoid sunburns by blocking or reducing the intensity of UV radiation. When seniors are sunburned, it can make it harder to get around. Additionally, proper care of their sunburn is critical to ensuring it doesn’t get infected.
Decreasing photoaging: Photoaging is when the skin ages too quickly because of too much time in the sun. Signs include fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and a rough texture to the skin. Seniors are more likely to get photoaging because they have already gone through the normal aging process. Still, they may be able to reduce the effects by using sunscreen regularly, allowing the skin to continue looking younger and healthier.
Decreasing skin conditions: Seniors may be more likely to get skin conditions like acne and discoloration, which can be made worse by being in the sun. Daily sunscreen adds an extra layer of protection against these conditions and generally helps keep your skin healthy. Seniors should choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a broad range.
It is also essential to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it to all uncovered skin, including the face, neck, arms, and hands. Personal care at home aids can assist them in remembering to put on more sunscreen every two hours or more often if they swim or sweat a lot.
In addition to using sunscreen, seniors should seek shade, wear protective clothing (such as hats and shades), and stay out of the sun during peak hours, usually between 10 am and 4 pm. By using sunscreen as part of their daily skincare routine, seniors can protect their skin from the sun’s damaging effects and keep their skin looking healthier and younger.
If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Source 1 / Source 2 / Source 3 / Source 4
- How to Address Driving and Transportation Needs of Seniors - May 1, 2024
- Understanding the Importance of Planning for a Hospital Stay - April 23, 2024
- Getting Seniors to Talk About Feelings of Loneliness - April 17, 2024