Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? With that being said, you must know how to properly care for your skin to keep it healthy and vibrant. This month is National Healthy Skin Month as designated by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and the goal is to raise awareness about the importance of your skin and how to take special care of it.
Healthy Skin Tips
Follow these healthy skin tips, not just in November, but all year long…
- Find out your skin type – Everyone’s skin is unique. It’s key that you know your specific type of skin and how to care for it. The five most common skin types are normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive. To determine your skin type, take a sheet of blotting paper, and blot all the areas of your face. If you get little to no oil, your skin is dry. If you get only some oil, especially in the T-zone, your skin is somewhere in the normal/combination range. And, if you get oil from all over, your skin is oily. Once you know your skin type, choose products that are tailored toward that type of skin.
- Wash your face daily – Daily washing with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water is so important to maintaining the health of your skin. It will remove dirt and sweat, keep your skin hydrated, and help keep your skin clear.
- Protect your skin – One of the best things you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun. Having too much sun exposure can result in wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancer. When going outside for an extended period of time, choose an SPF of 30 or higher, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade when you can.
- Moisturize every day – Moisturizing doesn’t just make your skin feel nice, but it also balances your skin, which keeps it clear, hydrated, and wrinkle-free. So, to keep your skin glowing, slathering on lotion or cream after a shower or bath to lock in moisture.
- Wear antiperspirant – Did you know that deodorant only protects against odor; whereas, antiperspirant protects against both odor and sweat? Both will provide freshness all day, but it’s time to make the switch to an antiperspirant if your goal is to reduce sweat.
- Use petroleum jelly – Petroleum jelly can benefit your skin in many ways. It can help heal minor scrapes and burns and moisturize your skin and nails.
- Wear the right socks and shoes – Don’t compromise comfort for style. Wear the right sized shoe and moisture-wicking socks as well as trimming your toenails to prevent blisters and corns.
- Do a self-examination – Whether you realize it or not, your skin is always changing. You should regularly check your skin for new or unusual spots. If you notice something different (changing, itching, bleeding), you should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
Final Thoughts
Your skin is a major piece of who you are. It protects you and holds you together. Follow these tips, not just this month – but year-round – to get healthy skin. At Complete Family Dermatology, our mission is to provide our patients with affordable and effective dermatological care. We know that the health of your skin is important, which is why we have a highly skilled team, a state-of-the-art facility and lab, and the best equipment for diagnosing and treating the most difficult skin conditions. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 402-423-1111!
