When winter rolls into Waterford, WI, it’s not just the snow that seniors need to prepare for—winter can wreak havoc on your skin, too! For seniors, winter skin care is especially important as colder temperatures, and dry indoor air can lead to dryness, irritation, and sometimes more serious skin conditions. And let’s be honest—no one wants to deal with cracked, itchy skin while trying to enjoy the season!

At Great Lakes Senior Living, where we’re all about comfort and personalized care, we know how crucial it is to stay on top of skin care routines for our residents. So, let’s dive into some practical, 2024-relevant ways to ensure seniors can protect their skin from the winter weather and stay feeling fresh and healthy.

Why Seniors Need Special Winter Skin Care

Before we get into the fun part (tips!), let’s quickly talk about why skin care for seniors requires some extra love in the winter. As we age, skin naturally loses moisture and elasticity, becoming thinner and more prone to irritation. In places like Waterford, where winters can be bitterly cold, seniors are at risk of experiencing:

• Dry, flaky skin: Cold air strips the skin of its natural oils.
• Itching and irritation: Dryness can lead to uncomfortable itching, sometimes causing seniors to scratch and damage their skin.
• Cracks in the skin: These can occur when skin becomes too dry, making it more susceptible to infections.

With that in mind, let’s talk about some top tips to keep senior skin glowing and healthy, even during the harshest winter months.

1. Moisturize Like It’s Your Job

Moisturizing is the absolute MVP of winter skin care, especially for seniors. The key here is to find the right moisturizer—thicker, oil-based creams work best because they provide a barrier that traps moisture in the skin. In 2024, there are tons of products designed specifically for aging skin, packed with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid that work wonders for hydration.

At Great Lakes Senior Living, we encourage our residents to moisturize daily as part of their routine. A good rule of thumb? Apply moisturizer right after showering or washing your face, while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in all that good moisture.

Quick Moisturizing Tips:

• Opt for unscented, thick creams or ointments instead of lotions.
• Apply moisturizer twice a day—morning and night—for best results.
• Consider products with added vitamins, like Vitamin E, to help with skin repair.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

We all know the importance of drinking water in the summer, but staying hydrated in winter is just as crucial. Seniors are more prone to dehydration, and dry, cold air can deplete moisture from the body faster than expected. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

If plain water isn’t appealing, there are plenty of ways to sneak hydration into your routine. Herbal teas, soups, and even water-rich foods like cucumbers and oranges can keep your body (and skin) hydrated all day long.

Pro Tip: Keep a reusable water bottle handy to remind yourself to sip throughout the day. Infusing water with lemon or berries can also add a refreshing twist to plain water.

3. Use Gentle Cleansers

Harsh soaps and cleansers can strip the skin of essential oils, making dryness even worse. For seniors, using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser is key to maintaining healthy skin during the winter. Look for cleansers that are pH-balanced and designed for sensitive or aging skin.

At Great Lakes Senior Living, we make sure our residents use gentle cleansers that protect their skin from unnecessary irritation. In 2024, there are plenty of options out there that keep skin clean while preserving its natural oils.

What to Look for in a Cleanser:

• Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas
• Ingredients like glycerin or oatmeal, which soothe the skin
• Avoid alcohol-based products that can dry out the skin

4. Stay Warm but Not Too Hot

Here’s the thing about winter: it’s tempting to crank up the heat and take long, hot showers to warm up. But hot water can actually be your skin’s worst enemy! It strips away natural oils and can leave senior skin feeling tight and dry. Instead, opt for lukewarm showers and baths, and keep the indoor temperature comfortable but not overly hot.

Investing in a good humidifier can also be a game-changer. Heating systems tend to dry out the air, so adding moisture back into the environment will help keep skin from drying out. In 2024, smart humidifiers that adjust based on humidity levels are a great option and easy to use.

5. Cover Up to Protect Skin

If you’re heading outdoors in Waterford’s chilly winter weather, make sure you’re bundled up! Seniors should cover exposed skin with scarves, gloves, and hats to protect against cold winds, which can cause irritation and dryness. Choose soft fabrics like cotton or fleece, as wool can sometimes be itchy on sensitive skin.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen! Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean the sun isn’t out. Winter sun can still be harsh, so a good SPF moisturizer is essential for protecting senior skin year-round.

6. Pay Special Attention to Lips and Hands

Lips and hands are two areas that seem to suffer the most in winter. Chapped lips and dry, cracked hands are all too common during these months. Applying lip balm and hand cream regularly can help. For lips, choose a balm with beeswax or shea butter to lock in moisture, and for hands, thicker creams that contain glycerin or urea work best.

At Great Lakes Senior Living, we make sure our residents have access to lip and hand care products to keep them feeling comfortable, no matter how cold it gets outside.

7. Personalized Skincare Plans at Great Lakes Senior Living

One of the best parts of living at Great Lakes Senior Living is the personalized care we provide to each resident. Skin care is no different! Every resident has unique needs, and our staff is trained to assist with everything from daily moisturizing to ensuring hydration levels are maintained. In Waterford, WI, we see our fair share of cold winter days, so we make it a priority to help our residents protect their skin throughout the season.

Whether it’s assisting with their skincare routine or offering hydration reminders, we take a hands-on approach to winter wellness. This personalized attention ensures our residents’ skin stays healthy and comfortable all winter long.