While he ages, your dad's skin goes through a variety of changes. It's thinning out, and his fat stores diminish. Collagen production dwindles.
His skin looks dry and has more wrinkles. It's not as smooth. He gets a cut or scratch, and it takes longer to heal. He has age spots forming.
That's all part of aging, but there are things he can do to protect his skin. Here are the best ways to keep your dad's skin looking and feeling healthy as he ages.
Eat a Healthy Diet
When you get older, your cells don't heal as quickly. To counteract this aspect of aging, make sure your dad eats foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent choice for boosting the intake of antioxidants. Seeds, nuts, and seafood are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Your dad should focus his diet on lean proteins, including as much seafood as possible, legumes, fresh produce, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Instead of eating a lot of meat, see if he'll have one or two vegetarian meals each week.
Apply Skin Cream After a Shower
While your dad's skin is still damp, have him apply a cream or moisturizer. One that is dermatologist recommended, designed for sensitive skin, and is unscented is the best choice.
If he applies it when his skin is still damp, he traps moisture. It's also easier to apply the lotion over wet skin. He can let his skin air dry before getting dressed, avoiding removing any of the cream he's used.
Stay Out of the Sun
If your dad goes outside in the sun, he needs sunscreen on any exposed skin. This includes his lips, ears, and eyelids. Sunglasses that protect against UV rays and a wide-brimmed hat also help protect his skin from sun damage.
Have him wear long sleeves and pants when possible. SPF clothing is lightweight, making it suitable for hot days. Plus, it protects his skin and eliminates some of the need for sunscreen.
Drink Plenty of Water
Make sure your dad drinks enough water. If he cannot tolerate that much water, keep a pitcher of iced herbal tea or lemon water in the refrigerator. Foods that have a high water content, such as berries or watermelon, also boost water intake.
Is your dad having a more challenging time with personal care? If he's not limber enough to bend over and apply moisturizer to his feet, he needs to make sure someone can. Companion care at home is one way to achieve this. Let caregivers help your dad start his day.
Caregivers can make sure he has moisturizer applied to damp skin and is dried off thoroughly before he gets dressed. If he spends time outside, his caregiver can make sure sunscreen is applied. Call a companion care at home expert to make arrangements for care services.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HIRING COMPANION CARE AT HOME IN SUNNYVALE, CA, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT HOME HELPERS TODAY (408) 317-4969.
