You may assume that because we’re still enduring the winter season, sunscreen isn’t necessary. It’s a myth that protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is a practice only needed during the summer. It’s important to understand that as long as the sun is out, its harmful UV rays are shining down upon us. And they have the ability to give us skin cancer if we don’t protect ourselves!
“According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds,” informs Sassy Townhouse Living, “This is exactly how you end up getting sunburn on cloudy days when they have been outside and not wearing sunscreen.”
Why is it so important for older adults to ward off sun damage?
Seniors generally have more fragile skin than their younger counterparts. In addition, some of the medications taken by older adults have sun sensitivity as a possible side effect. As a result, it’s really important for elderly individuals to take measures to protect their skin whenever it is exposed to the sun. Sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 is a must.
According to Shelley of Heritage Senior Communities, “older adults should apply a generous amount of sunscreen before they go outside, even if they only plan to be out for a few minutes. Cover every exposed area, including your face, ears, and hands. As a general rule, reapply sunscreen every two hours, more if you are in the water or sweating.”
Why is it necessary to apply sunscreen during the winter?
Believe it or not, we’re all just as susceptible to sun damage in the winter as we are in the summer. That’s because winters give the sun’s harmful UV rays a pretty big accomplice. All of that snow on the ground serves as a reflector, giving UV rays plenty of opportunities to bounce up into our faces.
“The snow can reflect up to 80% of the harmful UV rays increasing your exposure and UV radiation is also higher at higher elevations,” informs Sassy Townhouse Living.
In what other ways can seniors protect their skin from the sun?
Sunscreen is certainly not the only solution. It’s important to minimize sun exposure during the points in the day when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. That is generally between the hours of ten in the morning and four in the afternoon.
In addition, it’s important to wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. “By using a combination of sun protection measures, seniors can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer,” says Shelley.
How can Advantage Home Health Solutions help the elderly loved one in your life?
We don’t purport to be skin care experts. However, we have a wealth of information and knowledge that can help you to make an informed decision about the mobility and accessibility options that are best for your elderly loved one. We offer support and stability to people with mobility issues, enabling them to live safely and independently.
For information about the mobility solutions offered by Advantage Home Health Solutions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!