Skin Health for Caregivers -Reversing Aging. Is it possible?

Sun vs. Skin

Were you a sun worshipper back in the day? Did you slather with baby oil to get as dark as possible? Did you know that the sun is the #1 cause of aging to our skin? A lot of our daily habits either contribute or how much our skin ages or how youthful it stays. I had the opportunity to do a workshop this past weekend for a group of folks at Gibson's Fitness Center (Washington, NJ) and we talked about Tools & Tips when Caring for Fragile Skin. And thank you to Lehigh Valley Baths (Danielsville, PA) for sponsoring our workshop.

Fragile skin could be your own skin or your loved one you are caring for. The basics apply to everyone. Below are our bullet points from the discussion with the habits that help slow down the aging look of our skin and help protect our fragile skin. Honestly, I'm not sure how much anything can reverse the aging process, not matter how hard we try or how much we pay :) But it never hurts to try. Let me know if you have any other habits you use to stay youthful and spry.

Basic Skin Care:

•        Wash with lukewarm water

•        Use Mild/gentle cleanser/soap; Dry well

•        Apply fragrance free moisturizer after bathing

Skin Folds: (Think Boobs and Belly Folds)

•        Wash every day with Fragrant free soap & Water

•        Dry well – pat with towel – Important to keep area dry

•        Use small amount of baby powder to help keep dry

•        “No Grease in a Crease” – (No Lotions)

Healthy Habits & Behaviors:

o   Keep hydrated – Drinking less fluid is not helpful and can irritate the bladder.  Drink water throughout the day – Not too much after dinner so you don't pee all night.

o   Stop Smoking – smokers cough contributes to stress incontinence (when you accidently pee a little when you laugh, cough or sneeze)

o   Cut back Caffeine (coffee & soda), spicy foods, citrus juices

–          All irritate the bladder

o   Use Sunscreen Daily or cover up with a hat or long sleeves

o   Keep High Fiber diet and Exercise. Constipation is your enemy! 

 (Water, fiber & exercise all help constipation)

KEGEL Exercises: Build bladder muscle strength -Everyone’s best friend!

      -Same muscles used to stop the flow of urine.

      -Squeeze for 10 seconds, rest for 10 seconds – repeat 20x

Keep a list of Medications in wallet or on phone!!! - Good Advice in General!

Home Renovations and modifications to safely age in place at home: www.IHatemyBathroom.com - Lehigh Valley Baths

• Keep all hallways & stairways well lit --night lights

• Install sturdy grab bars or handrails by toilet and in tubs & showers

• Get a shower seat &/or hand-held shower

• Put Non-skid mats in tubs, showers & secure rugs