Seniors Still Need to Take Care of Their Skin

Not that we are older, most of us wish we had been more careful about limiting our time in the sun, especially during peak hours.  However that does not mean we should stop trying. Protecting our skin from further skin damage and the risk of skin cancer is important at any age.  When outside, we all need to apply liberal amounts of sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher, and as sunscreen wears off, we need to remember to reapply it.  Also wear protective clothing including a wide brim hat, long sleeves and sunglasses.

As our skin ages, it becomes thinner and has less fat, which is why we see bones and veins more easily and small injuries such as scratches, cuts and bumps take longer to heal.  It may be helpful to make a few adjustments as to how we treat it.  Some tips include regularly applying thick lotions on our bodies every day, drinking plenty of fluids (remember alcohol is a dehydrator), and reducing or stopping smoking.  Experts suggest you also try to avoid stress and to keep in mind that hot baths can result in even more dryness. 

Accumulated years of sun damage cause dryness, wrinkles and age spots that can lead to skin cancer, and it is important to note any changes in your skin.  The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) describes the most common signs of skin cancer, which includes a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal or a change in a mole.  An easy way to remember the signs of melanoma is to use the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma:

  

·         “A” stands for asymmetrical. Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?

·         “B” stands for border. Is the border irregular or jagged?

·         “C” is for color. Is the color uneven?

·         “D” is for diameter. Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?

·         “E” is for evolving. Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?

If you have any of these symptoms present, please call your doctor to schedule an examination. 

This blog is for informative purposes only, please seek the advice of your

health care provider if you notice any changes in your skin. 

 

MorningStar at Dayton Place offers the very best in senior living with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve as we work toward creating a true home for residents amidst a serene setting.  Please call or email to setup a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Denver CO.

Source: cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm