Warmer days, blooming flowers and rising humidity bring new challenges for our skin. Pollen, dust, increased perspiration and environmental allergens can contribute to itching, redness, dryness and irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin.
To maintain good skin health, and overall wellbeing, our nurse practitioner has outlined some important factors to be aware of when caring for your skin:
When Sweat Becomes a Problem
As temperatures rise, perspiration can accumulate in areas where skin touches skin, including beneath the breasts, abdominal folds, groin and buttocks. Trapped moisture, friction and warmth can soften the skin and encourage fungal growth.
Check these areas daily for persistent redness, itching, soreness, cracking or unusual odour. After bathing, gently pat skin folds dry rather than rubbing them. Choose breathable clothing and change damp garments promptly.
Sweat, body oils, pollen and environmental particles accumulate throughout the day. Regular bathing with a gentle cleanser helps remove these substances while keeping skin comfortable. However, while gentle cleansing is important, avoid excessive washing or harsh products that can strip the skin’s natural protective oils.
Remember your bedding, too. Changing sheets regularly removes accumulated perspiration, shed skin cells and allergens that may irritate sensitive skin.
Protect Your Skin Barrier
Daily moisturising supports the skin’s protective barrier and helps reduce dryness and discomfort. Apply a suitable moisturiser after bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp. Fragrance-free products may be preferable for sensitive skin.
Areas that remain damp require particular attention. Avoid applying heavy creams directly into moist skin folds unless advised by a healthcare professional. A suitable barrier product may be more appropriate for areas exposed to persistent moisture.
Extra Care for People Who Are Bedbound or Incontinent
People who spend prolonged periods in bed or a chair, or experience urinary or faecal incontinence, may face an increased risk of skin breakdown during warmer weather.
Heat, perspiration, prolonged pressure, friction and contact with urine or faeces can compromise skin integrity. Incontinence-associated dermatitis develops when moisture and irritants damage the skin. Pressure injuries and deep tissue injuries occur when sustained pressure, sometimes combined with shear, damages the skin and underlying tissue. These problems can occur together.
Pay particular attention to bony areas, including the ankles, knees, hips, buttocks, elbows, shoulders, neck and back of the head. Limited mobility can increase pressure on these vulnerable sites.
Inspect the skin daily for redness, discolouration, warmth, swelling, pain, blistering or changes in texture. In darker skin tones, damage may appear as purple, blue or darker patches. Deep tissue injury can develop beneath intact skin, so concerning changes need prompt clinical assessment.
Helpful preventative measures include:
- Gently cleansing and drying skin after washing or episodes of incontinence.
- Changing wet or soiled continence products promptly.
- Using an appropriate barrier product to protect skin exposed to moisture and irritants.
- Repositioning regularly according to an individualised care plan.
- Using suitable pressure-relieving equipment and avoiding rubbing or massaging vulnerable bony areas.
Speak with your clinical team or GP about appropriate cleansers, moisturisers, barrier creams, continence products and pressure-relieving equipment. A clinician can assess individual risks and recommend suitable options. New skin breakdown, persistent discolouration, blisters or painful areas should be assessed promptly.
Nourish Your Skin from Within
Healthy skin needs support from the inside as well as the outside. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that contribute to normal skin function, repair and overall wellbeing.
Consider including these foods in your meals:
- Fatty fish: Salmon, mackerel and sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids and, depending on the fish, vitamin D. Omega-3s support normal skin function.
- Sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkin: These contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A to support normal skin cell growth.
- Citrus fruits, kiwifruit and strawberries: Rich in vitamin C, these support collagen production and normal wound healing.
- Avocados: Provide monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which helps protect cells against oxidative damage.
Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and adequate protein in your diet. Drinking enough water is also important, particularly during warmer weather. No single food prevents skin damage, and supplements are not routinely necessary when nutritional needs are met through a balanced diet.
Keep Moving for Your Wellbeing
Walking and moving as much as you comfortably can supports mobility, strength and general health. Enjoy a short walk during the cooler parts of the day, take regular movement breaks or try gentle seated exercises.
For people with limited mobility, assisted repositioning and appropriate movement can help reduce prolonged pressure on vulnerable areas. Follow your individual care plan and seek guidance from your clinical team where needed.
When outdoors, protect your skin with shade, protective clothing and broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Give Your Home a Spring Refresh
Spring is also a wonderful time to revitalise your living environment. Many people receiving Support At Home choose spring cleaning as a service option to help freshen their home, reduce dust and create a cleaner, more comfortable space.
Speak with your Care Partner today to discuss your available options and whether spring cleaning can be included in your support plan.
Welcome Spring with Healthy Skin Habits
Healthy skin is about more than appearance. Gentle cleansing, suitable moisturising, nutritious food, movement and early attention to changes all contribute to skin health and comfort.
Prevention, consistent care and the right clinical support can make a meaningful difference as you welcome the warmer months.
