While acne is more common in teenagers and young adults, seniors can also experience breakouts. There are many reasons seniors develop acne, ranging from hormonal changes to medication side effects. Here are a few ways people over the age of 60 can treat acne breakouts.
Maintain a Healthy Skincare Regimen
Acne is caused when pores are clogged by bacteria, dirt, oil, or an overproduction of sebum. While underlying health issues can lead to breakouts, sometimes acne can be cleared up with an appropriate skincare routine. Seniors should wash their faces with a gentle cleanser twice a day and use only non-comedogenic products, which don’t clog pores.
To fight off the bacteria that cause acne, seniors can try using a product that contains a small amount of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Seniors should stay away from acne products for teenagers, as they can be too harsh for aging skin. Although acne is relatively uncommon in seniors, it’s one of the various health conditions they may experience. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional elderly home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Investigate the Medicine Cabinet
Acne can also be caused by medications. Seniors who are suddenly affected by acne should take a look at their prescriptions to see if acne is listed as a side effect. For example, lithium, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and anabolic steroids are known to contribute to acne in adults. Those who think any of their prescriptions are contributing to their breakouts should discuss the matter with their doctors, who may be able to alter the medications or prescribe additional drugs to alleviate the side effects.
Visit a Dermatologist
Some seniors can cure acne with good skincare regimens and some over-the-counter acne products. However, other cases require the assistance of a dermatologist. For example, some postmenopausal women experience acne due to a change in hormones. Hormonal acne is often located on the cheeks, chin, and jawline.
Senior women with acne should visit their dermatologists. Hormonal acne is more resistant to over-the-counter topical products than traditional acne, but a dermatologist can prescribe topical and oral medications such as antibiotics and retinol products.
Performing daily tasks while simultaneously managing the symptoms of a serious illness can be challenging for seniors. The Montgomery live-in care experts at Home Care Assistance are available 24/7 to make sure your loved one has the care he or she needs to remain safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Seek Stress Relief
Stress is one of the major causes of acne in seniors because it leads to an increase in sebum production. If new breakouts are caused by an increase in stress levels, seniors should find some way to relieve their anxiety. Meditation and breathing exercises can be a great way to relieve tension. Seniors should look for yoga classes in their areas, as this form of exercise can reduce stress levels and enhance overall wellbeing. Seniors should also stick to healthy sleep schedules. Getting eight hours of sleep a night relieves anxiety and gives skin a chance to recover.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. Montgomery families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. For details about our holistic senior care plans, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (334) 593-3988 today.