Protect Your Skin This November

Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? It is also your first line of defense against harmful bacteria, germs, viruses, and anything else with which you may come in contact. This amazing defense makes your skin super important! November is National Healthy Skin Month and we are taking a moment to remind you even amidst this pandemic it is beneficial to take care of your skin!

Apply Sunscreen Daily

Did you know that excessive sun exposure can lead to wrinkles? A daily moisturizer with sunscreen should be your best friend all year round as it can do wonders in preventing dark spots from forming and reducing the effects of aging. Sunglasses and protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants can also go a long way in protecting your skin from the harsh rays of the sun.

Sunscreen is a powerful weapon against the sun and a great defense in preventing skin cancer. Without sunscreen, those UV rays can do irreparable damage to your skin. Apply sunscreen all year round. We recommend products with an SPF of 30 or higher that also contain UVA protection. Be sure to reapply every four hours if you know you will be outside for a while.

Establish A Skincare Routine

Wash your face daily with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. We also recommend washing your face before going to sleep to remove any excess oil, toxins, and debris you may have encountered throughout the day. Establish a proper day time and night routine and stick to it. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant routine as sometimes less is best. It is important to be sure to determine your skin type (oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive) and choose skincare products that are tailored to your skin type. Keep in mind that as the seasons change you may need to adjust your products to adapt to your skin’s needs.

Don’t forget about your lips and eyes! Use a lip balm to keep your lips from feeling dry and chapped. Be gentle when applying or removing makeup from your eyes as your skin is the thinnest around your eyes.

Don’t Forget To Moisturize

As we move into cooler months, the humidity will drop and your skin can easily dry out. We strongly urge you to moisturize daily especially if you are prone to dry, chapped hands during the winter. It is better to start early in the season as it is easier to prevent dry skin or chapped hands than it can be to treat it quickly.

Applying moisturizing cream or lotion to your face and body at night will help replace daily moisture loss and prevent your skin from becoming dry overnight and developing a worn, tired look. A helpful tip is to moisturize after bathing to lock in more hydration.

Conduct Self-Examinations Regularly

Conduct a thorough self-examination of your skin at least once a month by looking at your body in a full-length mirror. Check your front, back, and sides with your arms raised. Be sure to scan over your forearms, underarms, palms, and elbows. Don’t forget to check your legs, toes, and soles of your feet. A hand mirror can help you examine other areas such as your neck, scalp, back, and buttocks.

Look for any asymmetrical shapes, uneven skin, spots with bumpy borders, different colored areas, or spots that might be changing in size, shape, and color. We know it may seem like a lot, but it is important to check regularly and look for any changes in your skin.

How To Protect Your Skin During COVID-19

As face masks have become a part of our daily routine, we also want to take a moment to talk about combating mask-related breakouts.

We would normally combat acne by adjusting our skincare routines with facial masks or creams, over-the-counter treatments, and gentle washes. However, the constant use of a face mask can interfere with this process as it provides the perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow and become trapped into your skin causing breakouts around the nose, cheeks, mouth, and chin area. Face masks can also trigger and cause flare-ups for those diagnosed with pre-existing skin conditions.

Practice these tips to protect your skin and prevent mask-related breakouts:

• Avoid wearing heavy makeup or harsh products that can clog your skin or cause a reaction
• Rehydrate your skin with an oil-free moisturizer
• Remember to wash your face frequently with a gentle cleanser throughout the day
• Wash your masks often to prevent dirt and oil from building up on the fabric

Visiting a skincare specialist can help to determine which products are right for your skin type or how to tackle certain blemishes and get the most out of your skincare routine. During your appointment, please bring any questions or concerns so that we can best help you on your journey to healthy and clear skin. For more information on how to protect your skin this November, contact Dermatology and Skin Health today.