Skin care plays a major role in maintaining health and protection of individuals. It thins with age and becomes weak. Older skin may injure easily and take longer to heal. During the stay at the hospital, the skin may be affected by staying in bed or being in one position for too long. Injury to the skin results in damage to the underlying tissues. Hence, protecting the skin from injury is important.
Definition
Skin care maintains the health, appearance, and protective functions of your skin. Good routines help prevent premature aging, minimize irritation or breakouts, and reduce risks like skin cancer and infection
Purposes
- To improve blood circulation.
- To prevent inflammation, ischemia, and necrosis.
- To promote skin integrity.
- To prevent skin breakdown.
- To reduce friction, shearing, and maceration.
Indications
Patients with the below-mentioned problems/who are elderly:
- Paralysis.
- Spinal cord injury.
- Reduced level of awareness.
- Unconsciousness.
- Malnourished.
- Heavily sedated.
- Problems with mobility including confinement to bed or wheel chair.
- Incontinence.
Components
Skin care includes the following:
- Bathing.
- Back care and back massage.
- Care of feet.
- Care of nails.
- Care of hair.
Basic Daily Routine
- Cleanse
- Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser morning and night to remove dirt, oil, and pollutants.
- Moisturize
- Apply a hydrating lotion or cream suited to your skin type to lock in moisture and support the barrier.
- Protect
- In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) to guard against UVA/UVB damage; reapply every two hours outdoors.
Skin Types & Product Selection
| Skin Type | Cleanser | Moisturizer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oily | Foaming, gel-based | Lightweight, oil-free gel | Look for non-comedogenic labels |
| Dry | Cream or oil-based | Rich cream or balm | Include ceramides and hyaluronic acid |
| Combination | Mild gel or micellar water | Balancing lotion | Address both oily and dry areas |
| Sensitive | Fragrance-free, soap-free | Calming cream with niacinamide | Patch-test new products |
Sun Protection
- Apply at least a palm-sized amount of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM and wear UV-blocking clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
- Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating to maintain protection.
Lifestyle Factors
- Hydrate by drinking 1.5–2 L of water daily to support skin elasticity and repair.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fats for nutrients that combat aging and inflammation.
- Avoid smoking, which accelerates wrinkle formation and damages collagen and elastin fibers.
- Manage stress and get adequate sleep—both influence hormones that can trigger acne or dullness.
Additional Tips
- Exfoliate gently 1–2 times per week with AHAs/BHAs to remove dead cells and brighten skin.
- Incorporate targeted serums (e.g., vitamin C, retinol) based on your concerns: brightening, anti-aging, or acne.
- Use a humidifier in dry climates or heated rooms to maintain environmental moisture.
- Schedule annual skin exams with a dermatologist to monitor moles and address evolving concerns.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
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