☀️ Why Sunscreen Matters—Especially As We Age Protecting Your Skin, Preserving Your Health in Sunny Tenerife

🌞 1. Ageing Skin Is More Vulnerable to Sun Damage

As we get older, our skin becomes thinner, drier, and more delicate. This means it's more susceptible to sun damage, including burns, irritation, and long-term harm. Years of accumulated sun exposure can catch up with us, often in the form of sunspots, wrinkles, or more serious conditions like skin cancer.

Using sunscreen daily provides a protective barrier that shields fragile, ageing skin from harmful UV rays.

🧴 2. Prevents Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in older adults. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases the risk significantly. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) reduces this risk dramatically, even for people over 60.

Whether you're sitting outside for a morning coffee or taking a short walk, your skin is exposed. A few minutes of protection can prevent a lifetime of complications.

🌺 3. Reduces Age Spots and Uneven Pigmentation

We often associate dark spots or “liver spots” with ageing, but much of this pigmentation is caused by sun exposure. Sunscreen helps to prevent further discolouration, keeping the skin more even-toned and healthy-looking.

For older adults with age spots, sunscreen helps prevent them from worsening or multiplying.

💧 4. Maintains Skin Elasticity and Slows Wrinkles

Collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and supple, naturally decline as we age. But UV radiation speeds up this process, leading to premature wrinkles and sagging. Daily sunscreen use helps preserve these proteins, keeping skin stronger and more resilient.

🧓 5. Encourages Healthy Daily Habits

For older adults, building a simple skincare routine can support overall self-care and wellness. Applying sunscreen each morning becomes a small but empowering daily ritual—reminding us to look after ourselves and our health.

If you're caring for someone with dementia or memory loss, this can also be a moment of connection and routine, where caregivers gently support skin protection while encouraging independence.

🌴 6. Ideal for Tenerife’s Strong Sunlight

In Tenerife, we experience high levels of UV radiation all year round—even on cloudy days. Many people underestimate how strong the sun can be in winter or when they’re just running errands. The truth is, UV damage happens anytime you’re outdoors.

This is especially important for expats who may have fairer skin or are used to cooler climates, making them more vulnerable to sunburn and sun damage in the Canarian sun.

🧡 At Island Home-Care Tenerife: Caring for the Whole You

At Island Home-Care Tenerife, we don’t just care for our clients—we promote wellness, independence, and protection in every way possible. From reminding clients to apply sunscreen before their morning walk to supporting those with mobility issues in staying safe outdoors, we take a holistic approach to care.

If you or a loved one needs help staying safe and well in Tenerife’s sunny climate, we’re here for you.

🌞 Quick Tips for Safe Sun Protection

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

• Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, neck, and hands

• Reapply every 2 hours (or more often if sweating)

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

• Avoid peak sun hours (11am–3pm) when UV is strongest

• Use lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for extra protection

Looking after your skin is part of looking after your health.
Need support with daily routines or safe outdoor activities?

👉 Get in touch with Island Home-Care Tenerife today—your local, trusted home care provider supporting expats and families across the island.