How Seniors Can Avoid Dry Skin

By Jessica Ott | February 10, 2025 |

Seniors are more prone to dry skin than other age groups, and that’s more of a problem than you might think. Dry skin can be uncomfortable. Your mom or dad must take good care of their skin. Personal care at home providers can help them with their sin care needs.

Personal Care at Home Hanover PA – How Seniors Can Avoid Dry Skin

If your mom or dad scratches their skin they can transfer bacteria from their hands to small scrapes and cuts in their skin which can cause serious infections like cellulitis. Changes in the skin due to age, side effects of medication, and hormonal changes can all leave your mom or dad with very dry skin. So can environmental factors like hot dry indoor air in the winter, or cold dry indoor air from the air conditioner in the summer.

If they have balance issues, trouble gripping bottles, or poor flexibility they may not be able to easily wash their skin or apply moisturizers. Personal care at home is a good option for your senior parent if they have trouble applying creams and lotions or have trouble washing their face or showering.

With personal care at home, your mom or dad will get compassionate and experienced help with tasks like showering, daily washing, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, and taking care of their skin in general.

Some of the most recommended ways for seniors to avoid developing dry skin are:

Moisturize Every Day

One of the best ways for seniors to prevent dry skin is to use a good moisturizer. Encourage your parent to apply lotion or cream at least twice a day, especially after showering. Get personal care at home if they need help.

Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers that contain ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid. Thick creams and ointments work better than lotions because they create a stronger barrier to lock in moisture.

Applying petroleum jelly to extra-dry areas like elbows, heels, and hands can also help prevent cracks and irritation.

Use Gentle, Lukewarm Water for Bathing

Long, hot showers can strip the skin of natural oils, making dryness worse. Encourage your parent to take short showers and use lukewarm water instead of hot water.

Harsh soaps can also dry out the skin, so it’s best to use mild, fragrance-free body washes or cleansers. Baby soap and baby shampoo are also great for seniors. After bathing, your mom or dad or a care provider should pat their skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer right away while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture.

Stay Hydrated by Drinking More Water

Dehydration can make dry skin worse. Many seniors don’t drink enough water, especially in colder months when they don’t feel as thirsty.

Encourage your parent to sip water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Herbal teas, low-sugar juices, and broths can also help keep their body hydrated. Eating foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, oranges, and watermelon, can provide extra hydration as well.

Keep the Air Moist with a Humidifier

Indoor heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer can dry out the air, leading to itchy, cracked skin. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps keep the skin hydrated.

If possible, place a humidifier in your mom or dad’s bedroom and the room where your parent spends the most time, like the living room. Setting the humidity level to around 40-50% is ideal for preventing dry skin. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent bacteria or mold buildup.

**If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Hanover PA, please get in touch with us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-Home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258.**

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Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.