With the many changes that occur within the body as it ages, things that seniors might have done in their younger years for self-care might not work anymore. However, selecting appropriate self-care items, such as soap, lotion, or skin treatments, is crucial for seniors to preserve their comfort, well-being, and general health. With the correct products, they can prevent damage and treat issues such as dryness, sensitivity, or inflammation. Thankfully, with home care providers and loved ones by their side, seniors gain help in understanding what self-care products are best to ensure they feel their best.

Seniors should choose hydrating, soothing, and user-friendly products when focusing on self-care. With the help of home care, they can verify ingredients to ensure they’re making the best choices.

Pay Attention to Ingredients

Older skin is often drier and more delicate. With this in mind, it’s crucial to pick self-care products that offer deep hydration to combat those issues.

When choosing oils, creams, or lotions, seniors should keep an eye out for ingredients like:

Hyaluronic Acid: Hydraulic acid helps maintain moisture.
Ceramides: In addition to preserving moisture, ceramides also create a barrier against dryness.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its calming qualities, which also help reduce irritability.
Shea Butter or Glycerin: Both of these ingredients help seniors maintain the softness of their skin while also providing moisture.

Additionally, seniors should steer clear of cosmetics with strong chemicals or alcohol, as these might aggravate or dry out aged skin.

Focus on Hypoallergenic and Non-Fragrant Formulas

Seniors need to understand that they may become sensitive to particular chemicals or intense smells as they get older. Home care can help them watch out for reactions and keep track of what products might cause those reactions. With this in mind, they might consider looking for products that are hypoallergenic or fragrance-free, as they are kinder and less prone to irritate skin or trigger allergic responses.

When shopping for self-care products that fit in this category, seniors should look for the terms “fragrance-free” or “unscented” on the label. However, they should also be aware that some products may still contain chemicals to mask natural smells. Home care can help them watch out for these scenarios.

Usability

When it comes to self-care products, it’s also important to pay attention to packaging. It can be challenging to handle products with intricate packaging or tiny caps for seniors with arthritis, joint discomfort, or decreased dexterity. Instead, home care can help them select products with easily opened and closed packaging while they are shopping for self-care items. Examples include squeeze tubes or pump bottles that require little effort to use, particularly for commonplace products like body cleansers, shampoos, and lotions. Additionally, seniors might benefit from using long-handled brushes to help them care for their hair if it’s longer.

Self-Care for Specific Issues

Age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines are examples of unique skin issues that may affect seniors. When shopping for self-care products for these issues, they should look for products that are specifically made for those issues. While this might seem simple, marketing and packaging can be challenging, which is another area where home care can assist. Also, if there are significant issues, seniors should explore their options with a dermatologist.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential part of self-care, especially since skin tends to be more vulnerable in the older years. Seniors should look for products that offer an SPR of 30 or greater. Not only that, but they should wear sunscreen anytime they’re spending more than a few minutes outside.

Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/8-tips-to-protect-and-preserve-aging-skin

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care Services in Brooklandville MD, please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258

A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Baltimore, Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.

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Venus Ricks, RN CM/DN

CEO/Founder at Vital Sign Home Care

Venus Ricks love for people and desire to help others is why she became a Nurse. As a Registered Nurse, Venus took her nursing experience beyond the hospital floors. Inspired by her own story and desire to help others, she launched her healthcare training center. Ambitions at heart, never letting any grass grow under her feet, she didn't stop at training. Her tenure as a Delegating Nurse and need, motivated her to open Mabel's House Assisted Living in honor of her grandmother Mabel, serving the elderly and vulnerable population. Simultaneously, Vital Sign Home Care was also launched, serving the same population.

Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.

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