Summers in Kamloops can’t be beat. From pristine golf courses and picturesque lakes to vibrant vineyards and accessible fishing docks, there are countless places that make living in Kamloops all the more rewarding for seniors during the sunny season. While enjoying all of the magnificent outdoor activities that Kamloops has to offer, it’s important for seniors to remember to prioritize skin health with the right sun protection and skin care regimen.
The Importance of Skin Health for Seniors
As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more prone to damage from UV rays. This makes it super important for seniors to have a solid skin care routine to ward off sunburn, dehydration, and other skin issues. By taking some extra steps, seniors can enjoy the sunny days while keeping their skin healthy and protected.
With that in mind, here are a few of our top summer skin care tips for seniors living in a Kamloops retirement community.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin, especially during the hot summer months. Seniors should drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep their skin hydrated from the inside out. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can also help. Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the risk of dryness and irritation.
Follow a Daily Skin Care Routine
When it comes to skin health, consistency is key. Creating and following a simple skin care routine can make a big difference in skin health, while also helping improve its overall appearance. Here are some key steps and ingredients to consider when shopping for skincare products and creating a daily skin care regimen.
Morning Routine (AM):
- Use a Gentle Cleanser: Start off with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove overnight oils and impurities.
- Moisturizer: Apply a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Look for formulations that include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for effective protection without irritation. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially when swimming or engaging in activities that will cause sweating.
Evening Routine (PM):
- Cleanser: Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, sweat, and any residual sunscreen.
- Serum: Incorporate a serum with antioxidants like vitamin C to help repair and protect the skin.
- Moisturizer: Use a richer moisturizer at night to provide deep hydration and support skin repair. Ingredients like ceramides and peptides can be beneficial.
Tip: Seniors should avoid products with alcohol, fragrances, and harsh exfoliants, which can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
Dressing for the weather with sun-protective clothing is a simple yet effective way to shield the skin from harmful UV rays. Seniors should opt for:
- Wide-brimmed Hats: These provide shade for the face, neck, and ears, areas that are often exposed to the sun.
- Long-sleeved Shirts and Pants: Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or specially designed UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing can keep the skin covered while helping seniors stay cool.
- Sunglasses: Protecting the eyes from UV rays is just as important as protecting the skin. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
Check Skin Regularly
Regular skin checks are crucial for seniors to detect and prevent skin cancer early. As we age, our skin becomes more susceptible to damage and malignancies. Seniors should look for new or changing moles, unusual growths, and any sores that don’t heal. Paying attention to asymmetry, irregular borders, colour changes, diameter, and evolving nature of spots (the ABCDEs of melanoma) can help identify potential issues. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, making routine skin examinations an essential part of senior health care.
Having troubles with hard-to-see areas or not feeling confident performing a skin check on your own? Consult a nurse or healthcare professional for a second set of eyes.
Use Caution With Medications
Some prescription medications can leave seniors’ skin more vulnerable when exposed to the sun. Always check the labels on your prescriptions before venturing into the great outdoors, or check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain how certain medications may affect your skin’s sensitivity.
Use Natural Products When Possible
As skin ages, so does its sensitivity to certain chemicals and ingredients found in skincare products. As a rule of thumb, try to avoid using products that are made with chemicals and artificial ingredients, and instead look for simple, natural ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, coconut oil, and vitamins A and E.
Tip: Opt for aluminum-free natural deodorant, and swap out harsh body washes for a natural bar soap. These products can be found at most drug stores, health food stores and local farmers’ markets.
Supplement With Collagen
One quick and easy way to support the skin from within is by taking a collagen supplement. Collagen is a vital protein that gives our skin elasticity and our joints strength. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, joint stiffness, and weaker bones. While collagen is widely recognized for its anti-aging benefits, it’s also helpful in promoting joint flexibility, bone density, and overall mobility. As a crucial protein, collagen helps maintain the integrity of cartilage, reduces joint discomfort, and supports healthy bone structure.
Tip: Collagen is available in many different formats, like powders, capsules, and even delicious gummies and bone broths.
Summary
By following these skin care tips, seniors in Kamloops can enjoy the summer while keeping their skin healthy and protected. Remember, using proper sun protection, performing regular skin checks, and following a simple skin care regimen not only prevents immediate sun damage but also contributes to long-term skin health, reducing the risk of skin cancer and other age-related skin issues.
Start Making New Memories in Kamloops This Summer
Ready to explore what life is like at an active living community in Kamloops? Book a tour of The Residence at Orchard’s Walk to explore our stylish retirement living condominiums and enhanced services and amenities. Residents of Orchard’s Walk enjoy: a robust activities calendar; exquisite daily dining; professional maintenance; regular housekeeping; and so much more.