November 10, 2023
As seniors age their skin changes and become irritated much more easily. It’s very common for seniors to develop rashes or irritation from things that never bothered them before. Personal care at home can help seniors shower thoroughly with products designed for sensitive mature skin. They can also help seniors dress in clothing that won’t irritate their skin or trap moisture against their skin.
In order to keep their skin healthy, seniors also need to be careful about how their laundry is done. Making sure that the laundry gets their clothes clean without using a lot of irritating chemicals can also help seniors avoid rashes and skin irritations.
One of the most crucial steps in caring for sensitive senior skin is selecting the right laundry detergent. Seniors should use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free detergents that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. These detergents are less likely to contain harsh chemicals and additives that can trigger skin reactions. Seniors can also use detergents that are made for babies. Typically, baby detergents are very gentle and have no harsh chemicals or scents.
Always read the labels on laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Look for phrases like “hypoallergenic,” “fragrance-free,” and “for sensitive skin.” Avoid products that contain perfumes, dyes, or harsh chemicals, as these can aggravate sensitive skin. Seniors may want to look into homemade detergent or use products from companies that only use natural ingredients.Personal care at home can help them determine the best options.
Sensitive skin doesn’t require excessive detergent. In fact, using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, which can be irritating. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended amount of detergent and consider using slightly less than recommended if you find that your clothes feel soapy after washing.
To ensure all detergent is removed from your clothes, consider running an extra rinse cycle. This can help eliminate any lingering traces of detergent that might irritate your skin.
While fabric softeners can make clothes feel softer and smell pleasant, they often contain fragrances and chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. If possible, skip fabric softeners altogether or use those designed for sensitive skin. When the weather is nice a home care provider can hang clothing and bedding outside to make it smell fresh and clean instead of using fabric softener.
Natural fibers like cotton and linen are less likely to irritate sensitive skin compared to synthetic materials. These fabrics allow your skin to breathe and are generally more comfortable to wear. Natural fiber clothing also can last longer than many synthetic materials.
New clothing items can have residual chemicals, dyes, and sizing agents from the manufacturing process. Wash new clothes before wearing them to remove these potential irritants.
If you’re trying a new detergent or fabric softener, test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your clothing or fabric before using it for a full load. This will help you determine if the product is safe for your skin.
Washing your clothes in hot water can strip them of natural oils and make them more abrasive on sensitive skin. Use cold or lukewarm water for laundry to minimize irritation.
Once you find products that work for your skin keep using them. Don’t buy new products just because they’re on sale. Stick to the ones that you know won’t irritate your skin.
High heat from the dryer can cause fabric fibers to break down and become scratchy. Set the dryer on air dry or use the low-heat setting on your dryer to protect both your clothes and your skin.
Periodically clean your washing machine to remove any detergent residue or mold buildup. This ensures that your clothes are washed in a clean environment and prevents potential skin irritants. There are washing machine cleaning tablets that make cleaning your machine easy. Just drop them in and run a normal wash cycle.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Personal Care at Home in Greentree PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call 412-421-5202
