The skin may be the body’s largest organ, but many people forget to take care of it. It’s National Healthy Skin Month this November, so it’s the perfect time to give your skin the attention it needs and start cultivating healthy habits.
Aside from promoting skin care, National Healthy Skin Month is also about bringing awareness to the risk of skin cancer. Many don’t know that it’s the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting 1 out of 5 Americans by the time they hit 70. Early detection is vital in treating it.
To celebrate National Health Skin Month, here are some tips on how to take care of your skin.
Perform Regular Skin Self-Exams and Visit Your Dermatologist
Your eyes and a mirror are your best defenses against skin cancer. Perform a skin self-exam at least once a month and check for new or growing bumps or spots, new or irregular moles, and bleeding sores that don’t heal. You can perform a self-check by following these steps:
- Stand in front of a mirror and check your ears, face, neck, chest, and stomach. Women should also look at the skin underneath their breasts. Move on to your arms, armpits, hands, and palms.
- Sit down and use a hand mirror to examine your legs and feet. Remember to check the backs of your thighs and calves, between your toes, and underneath your toenails. Move on to your scalp, back, genital area, and buttocks.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you see anything that concerns you.
Build a Skincare Routine
Skincare should be a daily practice. But building a skincare routine can be challenging, given all the products available on the market. The best strategy is to keep things simple, stick to what works for you, and be consistent. Here are some basic steps you can follow:
- Determine your skin type, whether it’s normal, dry, oily, or a combination. Go for skincare products that suit your skin type, and avoid non-comedogenic cleansers and moisturizers.
- Cleanse your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This step removes dirt, sweat, excess sebum, and makeup.
- Moisturize your skin after cleansing. This step is vital even for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Dehydrated skin can lead to irritation and inflammation.
- Protect your skin with sunscreen daily, even if it’s overcast outside. The minimum is SPF 30, so you’re guarded against ultraviolet rays.
Develop Healthy Lifestyle Habits
The way you take care of your body reflects in your skin. Aside from having a skincare routine, it’s essential to be mindful of your lifestyle choices. Here are some healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily routine:
- Drink a minimum of eight glasses daily and limit your alcohol consumption. Water eliminates toxins in your body, minimizes the appearance of wrinkles, and removes puffiness.
- Get a minimum of eight hours of sleep every night. Sleeping increases the blood flow to your face and helps cell regeneration.
- Spend 10 to 15 minutes in the sun with protection to help your body produce Vitamin D. The alternative is to take Vitamin D3 supplements.
The Bottom Line
The key to healthy skin is consistency. Examine yourself regularly for skin abnormalities, do your skincare routine daily, and practice healthy lifestyle habits. For more information, contact Complete Family Dermatology at (402) 423-1111.
