Skin Care and Aging

MediNurse, in its 30th year as the premier provider of private duty nursing in St. Louis,

recognizes that people are concerned about changes in their skin as they age. It becomes thinner, and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did. Veins and bones tend to become more pronounced, and scratches, bumps and bruises take longer to heal. Years of sun tanning or being out in the sunlight for a long time may lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots, and even cancer.

There are specific actions you can take to improve and protect your skin:

· Drink enough liquids. A sense of thirst can decrease with age. Don’t wait for mealtime – drink throughout the day.

· Use sunscreen when outdoors during the day, even when it is overcast. This won’t reverse visible signs of aging, but it will keep from compounding the damage.

· Use a humidifier if the air in your home is very dry.

· Don’t smoke. The smoke itself is harmful, and the act of smoking promotes lines and wrinkles.

· Use moisturizers, like lotions, creams or ointments, every day.

· Take fewer showers/baths and use milder soap. Warm water is less drying than hot water. Don’t add bath oil to your water – it can make the tub too slippery.

· Skin tags – small, flesh-colored growths of skin with a raised surface – are common in aging. If they become irritated, talk to your healthcare provider about having them removed.

· Check your skin once a month for changes, such as a new growth, a sore that does not heal or a bleeding mole – and share your concern with your healthcare provider.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.