November is National Healthy Skin Month, making it a great time to consider what it takes to keep this large organ of ours healthy. According to the American Skin Association, our skin supports the life of all other body parts and plays an important role in maintaining our immune system. The good news is that there are many ways can help keep our skin healthy, including some things we can easily avoid.
“The most important part of National Healthy Skin Month is the reminder of the necessity for routine screening. Skin cancer affects millions of people across the country annually,” explains Dr. Sanjiv Saini of MD Dermatology, with locations in Edgewater, Glen Burnie and Lexington Park, Maryland. “Early detection and treatment is essential. If you see anything suspicious, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.”
There are steps that you can take to maintain healthy-looking skin. During National Healthy Skin Month, here are 5 things to avoid:
Sun. Despite the fact that it is no longer summer, the sun can still damage your skin. Be sure to wear sunscreen daily or buy products containing SPF of at least 15.
Smoke. Smoking ages your skin and causes wrinkles. Smoking causes a lack of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for skin health. The best way to avoid these effects is to quit smoking altogether.
Soap. Choosing the best product for your skin can be difficult. A rule of thumb is to avoid strong soaps or using hand soaps to clean your skin. The soaps can strip necessary oils from your skin. Instead, choose a mild cleanser.
Stress. It’s easier said than done to avoid stress, but stress can trigger acne breakouts and make your skin more sensitive. Try to take steps to limit your stress, like managing your time or setting reasonable limits.
Scent. Fragrance is a common cause of skin-care-related allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, choose products that are “unscented” to decrease your risk of a reaction.
“Regardless of your skin type, there are certain things, such as the sun or stress, that should always be avoided when possible to maintain healthy skin,” says Dr. Saini. “It’s important to remember the number one step is skin screening to stay safe from skin cancer.”
MD Dermatology offers a full line of skincare products and clinical dermatology procedures including precision neck contouring, laser services, injection services, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and more. They are a medically directed spa that offers a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of every patient. For additional information, visit their site at:www.mddermatology.com.