Summer skin care is an important step we can all take to lower our risk of developing skin cancer. However, because the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis) gets thinner over time, that means we become more at risk of sunburn as we age. That’s another reason why it’s so important for seniors to protect their skin from the sun. In this article, we’ll go over our top tips for summer skin care!
- Stay hydrated. Water is key, especially in the hot summer months. If you have no fluid intake restrictions, drink lots and lots of water. This will keep all your bodily systems working well, reduce fatigue, and keep your skin hydrated.
- Use sunscreen. Maybe it seems obvious at the beach or a pool day, but so many of us forget sunscreen on a day-to-day basis. Any time you go outside, you’re being exposed to the sun, so invest in a face lotion with added SPF protection to wear in the mornings. Don’t forget lip balm with SPF too. Even when you’re at the beach, you may overlook forgotten areas like your feet or the backs of your ears or neck. Apply sunscreen in the mirror and make sure you’re not forgetting any spots.
- Protect your vulnerable areas. While sunscreen can go a long way in protecting your skin, don’t forget to protect vulnerable areas like your eyes or the top of your head with sunglasses and a good hat.
- Avoid the hottest hours. An easy way to protect yourself from the worst of the sun is just to stay inside when it’s the hottest. You can plan your gardening, errands, or walks in the early morning or late evening when you’ll be safer.
- Read medication labels. Some medications can leave your skin extra sensitive to UV rays. Make sure you read the fine print on all your medications for this and other side effects. If a medication you’re taking leaves you more exposed to UV rays, this means you’ll need to be even more vigilant at protecting yourself from the sun.