Increase your loved one’s consumption of water and other fluids to keep their skin hydrated.Use a soft washcloth for bathing and showering instead of loofahs or products that are abrasive.Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing rather than polyester or other synthetic fabrics and tight-fitting items.Avoid using very hot water when bathing and washing one’s face and hands as this can dry out the skin.Bathing or showering every other day is gentler on the skin compared to every day. Change your loved one’s bathing schedule to be less frequent.If your loved one is moisturizing but not noticing any improvements, have them gently exfoliate to slough off old skin cells.Moisturize with lotion, ointment or cream every day.Use a gentle cleansing soap that contains a moisturizer or that is specially formulated for dry skin.Severely dry skin can also become cracked and very painful. Dry, scaly skin can be very itchy, which can trigger lots of scratching or picking, thereby increasing an elder’s risk of developing skin infections. The age-related reduction in oil and sweat gland function (which helps to keep the skin soft and hydrated) is the main cause of dry skin.
According to the Mayo Clinic, more than half of adults over age 40 have dry skin. Dry, flaky skin (xerosis) is the most common skin problem among the elderly.
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