While the winter months provide us southerners with relief from the heat and humidity, the dry air and harsh winter winds can take a toll on our skin. This can be particularly challenging for older adults who are already prone to dry skin.
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and produces less oil, and medications can contribute to dry skin in older adults, as well as conditions like diabetes, psoriasis, or kidney disease. Scratching the dry, irritated skin can cause it to crack and bleed. In turn, this can lead to infection because our skin’s ability to repair itself decreases as we age. The good news is that there are some easy ways you can protect your skin and keep it hydrated throughout the winter and beyond.
- Try to shower/bathe less frequently or limit showers/baths to just 5 minutes.
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and lukewarm water. Hot water can actually worsen dryness. (It may be tempting to add oils to your bath water, but this could make your tub more slippery and increase the risk for falls.)
- Gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing with a towel. Not only does this help avoid skin tears, it also helps your skin retain some of the moisture from your shower.
- Moisturize your skin after washing and throughout the day. Washing strips our skin of its natural oils, so it’s important to replace them after each wash. Take the time to gently massage the moisturizer into your skin.
- Use a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air.
- Protect your skin from the cold air by bundling up and wearing gloves.
- Hydrate your skin from the inside out. To avoid dehydration, drink fluids gradually throughout the day. An easy way to do this is to have a glass of water at each meal and with medications. You can also get fluids from fruits and vegetables.
- See your dermatologist. If your dry skin doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks, it may be time to get help from a professional.
