Did you know that the skin is your body’s largest organ? The skin has vital job functions like protecting against trauma, regulating body temperature, keeping crucial nutrients in the body, and helping to prevent dangerous substances from entering the body. It’s only fitting it should have a month that promotes how to keep it healthy, right? November is National Healthy Skin Month, and having healthy skin means taking good care of it all year round.
Year-Round Healthy Skin
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) has the following tips for healthy skin year-round. They are:
- Wash your face every day– Use a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Also, wash your face after exercising.
- Use an antiperspirant– Rather than using deodorant to reduce sweating.
- Determine your skin type– Use skin products that match your type of skin. Here is a quiz to help you determine what type you have.
- Examine your skin– Regularly examine the skin for skin cancer signs, at minimum once a year. Look for new or unusual spots, as well as anything changing, itching, or bleeding.
- Protect your skin– Protect your skin from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Prevent blisters and corns– Make sure your shoes fit correctly. Wear nylon or moisture-wicking socks, and keep your toenails trimmed.
- Moisturize daily– For the best results, apply lotion or cream while your skin is still damp from bathing to lock in hydration.
Know When to Get Help
Even with the best skincare routine, some issues can persist. If you notice spots that are concerning or if your skin issues have not gone away or have worsened, it’s time to get help. Seeing a dermatologist ensures you are utilizing a health provider specializing in skin conditions to help you get the treatment you need.
ForCare is committed to state-of-the-art dermatological care in our medical office and improving treatment options for skin and other medical conditions through our clinical research work. Through these efforts, ForCare and our study volunteers have played a direct role in advancing therapies for patients and future generations. To learn more about participating in our dermatology studies, call (813) 264-2155, or view our study listing here.
References:
https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/awareness-campaigns/national-healthy-skin-month
