There are many changes that seniors contend with as the years pass by, including changes in their skin. It gets thinner, drier, and much more sensitive to the things it touches every day. Seniors aging in place may find it hard to manage these changes, so having companion care at home is helpful. Professional caregivers help seniors keep their skin healthy, comfortable, and safe by giving them hands-on help and tips for dealing with sensitivities.
Why Older People Have More Sensitive Skin
Aging skin produces less natural oil and loses elasticity over time, making it more prone to dryness, irritation, and tearing. Skin health may also be impacted due to medications, health conditions, and less movement. Because of this, the everyday choices that surround a senior — from the sheets they sleep on to the soap used to wash their clothes — matter more than most people realize.
Choosing the Right Sheets and Towels
One thing that is often overlooked in caring for seniors’ skin is the fabric that touches it daily. Materials that are rough or of poor quality can cause friction, redness, and even tiny tears in delicate skin. Companion care at home providers understand this and work with seniors and their family members to choose and care for the right fabrics, which usually include:
- Sheets made of 100% cotton or bamboo, which let air in and are soft on sensitive skin
- Pillowcases with a high thread count that make it easier to sleep
- Soft, fluffy towels that soak up water without feeling rough on the skin
Caregivers also make sure that sheets and towels are washed often. This is key, as body oils, dead skin, and allergens can build up on fabric and cause irritation, even in seniors who don’t usually have sensitive skin.
Creating a Regular Moisturizing Routine
One of the best ways to protect elderly skin is to keep it hydrated. When skin is dry, it cracks easily, which can cause painful sores or even an infection. Professional caregivers help seniors find a moisturizing routine that works with their daily schedule and stick to it. This routine typically requires a fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended moisturizer right after bathing, when the skin is still a little damp and most open to moisture.
Finding the Right Laundry Detergent
Many older people are surprised to find out that their laundry detergent might be making their skin itchy. Standard detergents often have dyes, scents, and harsh surfactants in them that stay in fabric fibers even after rinsing. These can cause reactions in sensitive skin.
Companion care at home providers help by switching to and consistently using:
- Detergents that are free and clear of dyes and scents
- Hypoallergenic formulas made just for skin that is easily irritated
- Gentle fabric softeners or none at all, since some softeners can irritate the skin
Caregivers ensure that laundry is rinsed well and that loads are small, which helps remove all the detergent.
Assisting with Bathing and Personal Hygiene
Water that is too hot, scrubbing too hard, or staying in the bath for too long can all remove natural oils. Caregivers help seniors create bathing routines that are beneficial for the skin, like using lukewarm water, soap-free cleansers, and soft towels to dry off.
Companion care at home providers know that skin health is a sign of overall health. Because of this, they work with seniors and their loved ones to make sure the right soaps, towels, sheets, and more are used in the home.
Sources:
https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/skin-hair-and-nails/6-good-habits-for-people-with-sensitive-skin
https://www.healthline.com/health/keep-your-skin-healthy-at-any-age
If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Brookhaven, GA, please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (404) 266-8773
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Atlanta, Palmetto, Alpharetta, Chattahoochee Hills, Milton, College Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Hapeville, Johns Creek, and all of Fulton County.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
- What Happens After the Hospital? Helping Families Navigate Recovery at Home - September 2, 2026
- Why Getting Ready for the Day Shouldn’t Leave Your Parent Exhausted - August 19, 2026
- What Happens After the Hospital? Helping Families Navigate Recovery at Home - August 4, 2026
