Spring is here, with its promise of renewal. In addition to refreshing our homes with a thorough spring cleaning, this is the perfect season to refresh our skin care routine.
As you enjoy the spring season in your senior living community in Richardson, be sure to take the necessary steps to protect your skin.
?Skin care tips
Protect aging skin, which is less supple, thinner, and dryer.
- Avoid long hot baths or showers.
- Use mild soaps, and gently apply moisturizers to the skin after every shower or bath.
- Do not smoke.
- Keep properly hydrated by drinking more liquids (avoid or decrease drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine or sugar).
- Avoid hot and dry places, such as saunas.
?Sun Protection
Unprotected sun exposure not only causes wrinkles and age spots, but it is also the most common cause of skin cancer. Always protect your skin from UV rays, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun is the strongest.
- Apply sunscreen that has 15 SPF or higher 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply after excessive sweating or swimming, or every two hours if in the sun for extended periods of time. Apply to all exposed skin, including hands and feet, and bald spots. Don’t forget your lips – use a lip balm with SPF, and be sure to reapply after eating or drinking.
- Seek out shade. Wear a hat and sunglasses or use an umbrella while sitting or walking in your senior living community in Richardson.
- Special clothing. If you are planning to be outside for long periods of time, wear clothing with built-in SPF that protects against UV rays.
?Out with the old
Now is the time to get rid of old cosmetics and skin care products. Expired products lose their effectiveness, and can cause skin infections as they can develop bacteria. Be sure to toss out:
- Any lotion or cosmetic product that changed its consistency or started to separate.
- Sunscreen older than a year.
- Mascara older than three months.
- Old make-up sponges.
?Continued skin care
- Exfoliate your skin every week to get rid of dull, flaky skin. There are many good exfoliators to be found in drugstores, or you can make one at home using coconut oil mixed with sugar or sea salt.
- Switch to a lighter moisturizer. You still need to moisturize our skin, even in warm weather but use a lighter moisturizer than the one used during the winter.
- Lighten up. Use lighter foundation and lighter, brighter make-up colors.
Remember that being well-groomed is not just about looking great – it promotes good health and a feeling of well-being.