January 4, 2023

Winter Skincare Tips for Seniors

About Brookdale Senior Living

As colder months approach, protecting your skin remains just as important as it is in the summer. Besides the chilly winds and dry air, things like indoor heaters, lack of sunlight and even water temperatures could cause your skin to yearn for the warm summer days. Here are five ways to help protect older adults’ skin throughout the cold winter months.

Gentle Cleansers

Washing your skin with hot water may strip it of its natural oils, leaving it even drier and more irritated. It’s better to cleanse once or twice daily with a gentle cleanser, which typically means it doesn’t use too many harsh chemicals such as dye or scents. For example, CeraVe fragrance-free hydrating facial cleanser can be ideal for sensitive, dry skin, as it contains ceramides. Ceramides can help your skin retain moisture, leaving your face clean without drying it out. Similarly, La Roche-Posay’s Hydrating Gentle Cleanser contains beneficial ceramides that may help improve the health of your skin cells.

While cleansing, keeping your water warm instead of too hot can help your skin retain moisture. Use a soft cloth when cleansing and pat dry afterward to help avoid irritation. Leaving your skin a little moist before applying the rest of your skin care can also help lock in moisture, acting as a hydrating foundation for the rest of your routine.

Rejuvenating Serums

Serums are lightweight, easily absorbed water or oil-based liquids that can be beneficial for your skin and used throughout the seasons. They’re not moisturizers and don’t replace your cleanser or sunscreen. With many different kinds and formulas, they’re designed to target various skin types and can provide some help with fine lines, dryness and discoloration.

Vitamin C serum could be the right fit if you want a product that may be able to brighten your skin during the cooler months while helping to hydrate and promote skin health. Some studies have indicated that it can help to prevent sun damage, and Vitamin C generally has anti-inflammatory properties and can also help to fight the harmful toxins that come in contact with your skin daily. According to its description, this TruSkin vitamin C serum also contains hyaluronic acid, another ingredient that can often help with dryness and skin elasticity.

Hydrating Moisturizers

Along with turning your heaters up, the cold, dry winter air can make it easier for skin to lose moisture. It can cause flaking, rough patches, cracks, redness and sensitivity, meaning it’s important to stay moisturized and hydrated.

This CeraVe moisturizer is for your face and body and contains both hyaluronic acid and important ceramides that can help restore your skin’s protective barrier through hydration, all while remaining generally safe for most sensitive skin types. Coconut oil is also a natural moisturizer that some studies suggest could help enhance your skin’s natural barrier (and it may already be in your pantry!)

Other ways to stay moisturized include hydrating from the inside out. Drinking water remains just as crucial in the winter months as in the summer, but can be easy to overlook when it’s not sweltering hot outside. Setting up a humidifier in your home could also provide many benefits, including adding more humidity to your heated-up space. The higher moisture levels may help lower the risk of viruses, improve coughing and reduce snoring while keeping skin hydrated.

Protective SPF

Although the days may be a little darker, the sun still makes its presence known each winter. It’s important to keep wearing sunscreen throughout the cooler months, especially if you live in a snowy area, as snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays. Reflections off of snow and ice mean your exposure to the sun could be doubled, potentially increasing the chances of skin cancer or other sun damage.

According to its description, Kiehl’s facial cream sunscreen includes Antarcticine, which can help protect your skin from cold weather, and SPF 30, which can sometimes lower your risk of sun damage, including skin cancer. If you’re looking for more SPF protection, try Neutrogena’s Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 60+.

Other ways to help stay safe from the sun’s rays include dressing in full-coverage clothing, such as long sleeves and hats or beanies.

Keep It Consistent

Adding these tips to your daily skin care regimen could help keep your skin bright and healthy during these dark, cold days. If you’re looking for more ways to practice self-care this winter, both mentally and physically, check out these seven tips for seniors to stay healthier in the colder months.