{"id":259,"date":"2019-01-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/synergyhomecare.com\/ca-anaheim-hills-92808\/2019\/01\/18\/skin-care-and-aging-ways-to-protect-your-and-your-senior-parents-skin-health-anaheim-hills\/"},"modified":"2019-01-18T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-01-18T00:00:00","slug":"skin-care-and-aging-ways-to-protect-your-and-your-senior-parents-skin-health-anaheim-hills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/synergyhomecare.com\/ca-anaheim-hills-92808\/knowledge-center\/skin-care-and-aging-ways-to-protect-your-and-your-senior-parents-skin-health-anaheim-hills\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin Care and Aging: Ways to Protect Your and Your Senior Parent\u2019s Skin Health- ANAHEIM HILLS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The skin helps to protect the body in many ways, as it acts as the body\u2019s first line of defense against bacteria and other environmental hazards that can cause illness. As the human body ages, skin can become thinner and lose fat, which can cause the body to be at a higher risk for infection, as unhealthy skin can cause delays in healing from scratches and cuts, and can expose the body\u2019s veins and bones. Do you or your senior parent experience the following signs and symptoms of unhealthy skin<\/a><\/span>?<\/p>\n

Dry Skin and Itching<\/strong>
Seniors often suffer from dry spots and itching, which can be caused by dehydration, dry air, sun exposure, smoking, stress, and the loss of sweat and oil glands. Dry skin can also be caused by health problems \u2013 such as diabetes or kidney disease \u2013 and medications.<\/p>\n

Bruises<\/strong>
Certain medications or illnesses may cause bruising. Talk to your or your senior parent\u2019s doctor if you see bruises and don\u2019t know where they came from.<\/p>\n

Wrinkles<\/strong>
Wrinkles can be caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, which can make the skin less elastic, and gravity. Additionally, habits such as smoking can wrinkle the skin.<\/p>\n

Age Spots and Skin Tags<\/strong>
\u201cAge spots, once called \u2018liver spots,\u2019 are flat, brown spots often caused by years in the sun. They are bigger than freckles and commonly show up on areas like the face, hands, arms, back, and feet,\u201d according to the National Institute on Aging<\/a><\/span>. \u201cSkin tags are small, usually flesh-colored growths of skin that have a raised surface. They become common as people age, especially for women. They are most often found on the eyelids, neck, and body folds such as the armpit, chest, and groin.\u201d Talk to your or your senior parent\u2019s doctor if you\u2019d like your age spots or skin tags removed.<\/p>\n

Skin Cancer<\/strong>
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The most preventable cause of skin cancer is overexposure to UV light from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a><\/span>. People at a greater risk for skin cancer tend to 1) have skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun, 2) have blue or green eyes, 3) have blonde or red hair, 4) have certain types and a large number of moles, 5) have a family history of skin cancer, and 6) have a personal history of skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Practicing good skin health habits can help you and your senior parent delay or prevent dry skin, wrinkles, bruises, age spots, and skin cancer. Help keep your aging loved one\u2019s skin healthy with the following tips, provided by the Mayo Clinic<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

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  1. Protect from the sun<\/strong>. Use sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing.<\/li>\n
  2. Don\u2019t\u2019 smoke<\/strong>. \u201cSmoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles,\u201d according to the Mayo Clinic<\/a><\/span>. \u201cSmoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow and makes skin paler. This also depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin \u2013 the fibers that give your skin strength and elasticity.\u201d<\/li>\n
  3. Treat your skin gently<\/strong>. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit bath time and use warm water. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents, shave carefully, and moisturize your skin with a lotion that contains SPF.<\/li>\n
  4. Eat a healthy diet<\/strong>. A diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps promote younger looking skin. Drinking plenty of water helps the skin stay hydrated.<\/li>\n
  5. Manage stress<\/strong>. Get enough sleep, set reasonable expectations and limits, and make time to enjoy the things you love.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If your aging parent lives alone and struggles to maintain a healthy lifestyle, call SYNERGY HomeCare of Corona, Riverside, or Anaheim Hills. SYNERGY\u2019s in-home caregivers can help your senior parent live a healthy, independent lifestyle. Our in-home\u00a0caregivers offer many convenient home care services, such as:<\/p>\n