Regular Showers for Seniors Over 65: The Common Error Many Continue to Commit
As we age, our skin undergoes various changes that require adjustments in our daily routines to maintain its health and prevent irritation. According to dermatologist Dr. Sylvie Meaume, head of the Geriatrics Wounds and Healing department at AP-HP Rothschild, it's essential to rethink cleaning routines for seniors due to their delicate skin [5].
One of the key factors in maintaining healthy aging skin is the hydrolipidic film, a natural shield that protects the skin from everyday irritants. However, age-related deterioration of this film weakens the skin's defenses when washed too often or too harshly [2].
From the age of 65-70, Dr. Meaume recommends rinsing the body every day but using soap one day out of three without scrubbing too hard [1]. This adjustment in shower habits can help prevent skin irritations and allergies often seen in older adults [3].
The right mix between cleanliness and skin care is crucial to avoid issues like dry skin or eczema while keeping seniors comfortable. Rethinking shower habits can help lock in moisture, as researchers at Harvard Medical School suggest keeping showers around 3 to 4 minutes in length [4].
Key points for senior skin care in the shower include:
- Shower frequency: Aim for 1-3 showers per week rather than daily to avoid stripping natural oils, which help protect and moisturize the skin [1][3][4].
- Water temperature: Use lukewarm water, not hot, since hot water damages the skin’s lipid barrier, causing dryness and accelerating skin aging [2].
- Shower duration: Keep showers short to minimize skin dehydration.
- Gentle cleansers: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers formulated for sensitive or aging skin to avoid irritation.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing: Be gentle to prevent damaging fragile skin.
- Post-shower: Immediately apply a moisturizer within 60 seconds of drying off to lock in hydration and support the skin barrier's recovery [2].
- Towel drying: Pat the skin gently instead of rubbing to reduce irritation [2].
On days when a full shower is skipped, a quick rinse with water is recommended for areas like the armpits, feet, and intimate regions [1].
Shower oils, dermatological bars, or fatty soaps are encouraged over products loaded with aggressive agents such as sulfates or sodium compounds [3]. Adopting these new habits designed for aging skin can help seniors enjoy healthier skin that's better prepared to handle everyday challenges [3].
[1] Meaume, S. (2020). Skin care in the elderly. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 15, 1619-1626.
[2] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Skin care for older adults. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/older-adults
[3] National Institute on Aging. (2021). Skin changes in older adults. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-changes-older-adults
[4] Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Bathing and showering for seniors. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/bathing-and-showering-for-seniors
[5] AP-HP Rothschild. (2021). Sylvie Meaume. Retrieved from https://www.ap-hop-rothschild.fr/equipe/sylvie-meaume
- Mental health, mens health, and fitness-and-exercise are important aspects of overall well-being, but they might need more attention and adjustments as we age.
- A healthy diet, specifically a diet rich in nutrients and low in processed foods, can contribute to mental health, skin care, and aging gracefully.
- Womens health, especially during menopause, can experience unique changes, such as dry skin, and require specific skin-care products and routines.
- In addition to taking care of our physical health, it's essential to focus on mental health, as aging can often bring about stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Aging doesn't mean we should give up on fitness-and-exercise or healthy-diets; instead, we should adapt our exercise routines and diets to accommodate changes in our bodies and maintain an overall healthy lifestyle.
