Things That Can Help Your Senior Parent Avoid Dry Skin This Winter

Dry winter skin can be unpleasant for anyone, but it can be especially bad for seniors. Seniors tend to have thinner skin that can become very itchy when it’s dry. And if seniors scratch their itchy skin they may leave small openings that bacteria can get into. Dry skin can lead to skin infections like cellulitis or staph infections which need to be treated by a doctor and often require prescription medications. One of the best ways to help your mom or dad take good care of their skin is to get personal care at home services.

Personal Care at Home Glen Rock NJ – Things That Can Help Your Senior Parent Avoid Dry Skin This Winter

During the winter when the air is cold and dry outside and hot and dry inside seniors have a high risk of developing dry skin. If your mom or dad is living at home and they like to keep the house warm in the winter they may need some help keeping their skin from getting dry, itchy, or cracked.

Use these tips to help prevent your mom or dad from getting skin infections and dry skin this winter:

Get Personal Care At Home

If your mom or dad has personal care at home a trained and experienced care provider will help them shower, wash their hands and feet, and help them keep their skin moisturized. With help from a personal care at home provider, your mom or dad can stay comfortable all winter.

Get a Humidifier Or Two

Winter air is very dry, especially indoors. Heaters reduce humidity and make the skin lose moisture faster. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air. Put a humidifier in the bedroom and in the living room where they spend most of their time. Running it overnight helps keep the skin hydrated. A personal care at home provider can make sure that the humidifiers are full and make sure they get clean regularly.

Make Sure They Apply A Good Moisturizer Daily

Moisturizers are essential for locking in skin hydration. But moisturizers aren’t all the same. Your mom or dad needs to use a moisturizer made for delicate skin. Lotions with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or ceramides work best in winter. Thick creams are better than light lotions for very dry skin. Place moisturizers in easy-to-reach spots, like near the sink or bedside table, so it becomes a habit.

Encourage Them To Take Short, Warm Showers

Long, hot showers feel good in the cold, but they can dry out the skin. Hot water strips away natural oils, leaving the skin unprotected. Encourage your senior parent to take short showers with warm water instead. Using a gentle, fragrance-free soap, like a baby soap, helps avoid further irritation. After bathing, they should pat their skin dry with a soft towel and immediately apply moisturizer.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Skin-Friendly Foods

Hydration isn’t just about applying lotions; it also comes from within. Seniors often drink less water, which can lead to dry skin. Encourage your parent to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Warm drinks like herbal teas are also hydrating.

In addition to water, eating foods rich in healthy fats and vitamins helps the skin stay soft. Foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish provide essential nutrients for skin health. Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are especially helpful for preventing dryness. Adding these to meals or snacks can make a big difference.

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Personal Care at Home Services in Glen Rock NJ, please get in touch with the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC.

Providing in-home senior care, servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.