Getting older changes some of your body’s usual qualities. One of the areas that can be problematic is the diminished production of collagen. Skin dries out and can become flaky if your dad isn’t taking care of his skin properly. Here’s what he needs to do to stop dry, flaking skin.
Wash With a Mild Unscented Soap
Use a mild, unscented soap that contains ingredients that aren’t drying. A goat’s milk or shea butter soap is better than one full of chemicals. Once he’s lathered up, he needs to thoroughly rinse off all suds.
He doesn’t need to soap up every area every day. It’s okay for him to use soap only on the areas of his body that get sweaty or dirty more, such as the feet, armpits, etc., and avoid lathering other areas. This preserves the skin’s natural oils.
Use Warm Water
Your dad needs to avoid using hot water. It may feel great on aching joints and muscles, but it’s going to dry out his skin. A warm shower that doesn’t last more than ten minutes is ideal.
Apply Moisturizer Right After the Shower
Once he’s turned off the water, your dad should apply a moisturizer to his wet skin. It traps water in the skin cells. Ideally, he wants an unscented moisturizer that has ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or almond oil. A hyaluronic acid cream forms a barrier that keeps moisture from leaving the skin and helps with elasticity.
Some creams are designed to apply in the shower. These can be helpful if your dad is more likely to apply a lotion during his shower than after it while getting dressed.
Make Sure He Drinks Plenty of Water
Does your dad drink water daily? He should aim for two or three liters, depending on his doctor’s recommendations for any health he has. Water keeps the skin cells hydrated.
If he dislikes the taste of water, add a slice of lemon or lime, invest in no-sugar-added flavoring drops, or crush up herbs like basil or mint to add flavor.
Eat Foods That Are Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants help fight free radicals in the skin cells. Make sure your dad is eating foods rich in them. This includes many fruits and vegetables, especially berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits.
Have Caregivers Available to Help Out
Help your dad take better care of himself by arranging personal care at home services. He can have caregivers to help him during and after a shower. Consider having caregivers to help him with his daily bathing routine.
His personal care at home aide can ensure his skin is rinsed well of all soap residue, moisturized, and dried thoroughly before he gets dressed. Call a home care specialist to learn more about personal care at home.
If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Granbury, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Parker County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, Hood County, Somervell County, Erath County, Bosque County and Hamilton County in Texas.
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