Caring for Dry Senior Skin
May 1, 2025
Senior skin goes through a lot of changes with age. This is especially true for areas of the body that tend to see a lot of sun exposure, like the hands or the face. Dry skin can be uncomfortable and itchy. But seniors don’t have to just live with dry skin that doesn’t feel good. Personal care at home can help seniors take better care of their dry skin and other challenges related to hygiene tasks.
Understanding Dry Senior Skin
As seniors age, their skin is less able to produce the natural oils that helped to protect it in the past. The skin also thins, while fat deposits underneath diminish. Harsh soaps, hot water, and lower humidity levels can contribute to skin drying out and feeling less comfortable. Itching because of dryness and other irritation, like side effects from medications, can lead to scratching and other issues.
Start with Gentle Cleansing
Older skin needs gentle cleansing, particularly if it’s getting dry. Avoiding hot water helps a lot, because it dries out skin even further. Cleansers designed for sensitive skin and without fragrances are the best choice. These types of cleansers are gentler on the skin and are less likely to be irritating.
Lock in Moisture
Part of the problem for older skin that is drying out is that moisture retention is more difficult. That means seniors need to look for moisturizers and lotions that help to lock moisture into the skin. The right moisturizers are likely to include ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which draw water to the skin, and ceramides, which help the skin rebuild its protective barrier. Applying moisturizers and lotions on damp skin helps them work better.
Offer Plenty of Water and Eat Well
Hydration and diet matter more for skincare than many seniors realize. Drinking plenty of water every day helps to hydrate the skin from the inside, and many healthy food choices contain the nutrients senior skin needs to stay healthy and reduce dryness. Home care providers can offer a lot of assistance with these goals. They’re able to take on much of the meal planning and preparation duties that seniors may find difficult to manage. They can also help remind seniors to sip water throughout the day.
Consider a Humidifier in Dry Air
If humidity levels inside are low, that can contribute to dry skin as well. Seniors may want to consider monitoring humidity levels and using a humidifier when the monitor indicates that humidity levels are low. Running humidifiers can also help some seniors to breathe more easily without experiencing a stuffy or dry nose, especially if they’re placed in the bedroom overnight.
Always Use Sun Protection
Combining sun damage with dry skin just makes both problems worse. The best answer is for seniors to wear a broad-spectrum sunblock every day. Ultraviolet rays can burn skin even through cloud cover, so skipping the sun protection isn’t a good idea.
Maintaining senior skin might mean changing up some of the skincare habits seniors have had for many years. Personal care at home can work with seniors to create routines that promote healthy, comfortable skin.
If you or your loved one is looking for Personal Care at Home in Morgan Hill, CA, please call Familiar Surroundings Home Care.
Santa Clara County: (408) 979-9990
San Mateo County: (650) 353-9777
Santa Cruz County: (831) 480-3990