How to Celebrate Healthy Skin this National Healthy Skin Month
As hectic as the holiday season can be, it’s important to take a step back and focus on your well-being, including your skin’s health — especially considering the negative effects winter weather can have on our skin (e.g., winter eczema, dry rashes, etc.). So, what better time to celebrate healthy skin than the month of November? Indeed, the American Academy of Dermatology has dubbed November National Healthy Skin Month, 30 days dedicated to educating people on proper skin care at every stage of life. Here are some ways to celebrate healthier skin this National Healthy Skin Month!
How to Celebrate Healthy Skin
Treat Yourself to Cosmetic Services
Even though “cosmetic” is in the name, cosmetic dermatology can do more for your skin than just boost its appearance. Treatments like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and dermaplaning can actually improve your skin’s health by stimulating collagen production and removing dead skin cells, helping you better manage acne, diminish wrinkles, reverse sun damage, and more. Simply put, healthier skin is better-looking skin, so cosmetic treatments deliver dual benefits. Working with a cosmetic dermatology specialist can also help you better understand your skin and what’s necessary to take proper care of it.
Invest in the Right Skin Care Products for You
Speaking of individualized skin care, National Healthy Skin Month is a great time to take stock of your current routine and make key adjustments. Perhaps you’ve been using a moisturizer that’s not properly tuned for your skin type, or maybe you need to increase how often you exfoliate. People with different skin types require different products and routines — those with dry skin often benefit from hydrating cleansers, alcohol-free toners, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and so on. Oily skin is better treated with products aimed at controlling natural oil production without stripping the skin completely. Work with your dermatologist to come up with an optimal, personalized skin care protocol, and do your best to stick with it.
Slap on the Sunscreen
Many people put their sunscreen away once summer is over, but make no mistake — the sun reaches your skin year-round. Bundling up in the colder months will protect your skin from UV rays to some degree, but it’s important to not let your guard down no matter the weather. Some people suffer the most severe sun damaged skin in the fall and winter by neglecting to apply sunscreen to exposed areas (i.e., face, neck, hands). Prolonged, excessive sun exposure can cause your skin to prematurely age and increase your chances of developing skin cancer. A huge portion of National Healthy Skin Month is dedicated to skin cancer awareness, so celebrate accordingly by shielding your skin from the sun’s rays this month and every month that follows.
Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening
Approximately 20% of Americans develop some form of skin cancer by the time they’re 70 years old. The good news is that this pervasive condition is highly treatable when caught early on. As such, it’s imperative to keep tabs on your skin and remain aware of the signs of skin cancer. In addition to inspecting your skin on your own on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to receive a thorough inspection from a professional about once a year (perhaps more if you’re in a high-risk category). If it’s been a while since your last examination, take some time this month to visit your dermatologist or at least set up an appointment for the near future.
Improve Your Overall Health
In order to achieve healthy skin, you must maintain a healthy body. So, one way to celebrate Healthy Skin Month this year is to find ways to improve your overall well-being. You might commit to getting regular exercise, try out de-stressing techniques like meditation or yoga, develop a better sleep schedule, take vitamins, stay hydrated, and so on. You won’t just feel better by making these lifestyle changes — your skin will look better and become healthier, too.
With the changing weather and holiday stress, November is the perfect time to take stock of your skin’s underlying health and outward appearance. If you need encouragement, advice, or professional care regarding your skin’s health and appearance, the experts at Premier Dermatology Partners are here to help. Let’s celebrate National Healthy Skin Month together! To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.