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Get Skin Savvy: It’s National Healthy Skin Month!

It’s November. Time to pull out your puffy jackets and fluffy scarves, right? Sure! November is also National Healthy Skin Month, so it’s also time for your annual skin check. You can consider this your guide to getting skin-savvy—starting today, lasting the whole year though.

Did you know?

Some facts you may not know about the skin you’re in: 

  • Your skin is your body’s largest organ1
  • There are about 19 million skin cells in every inch of your body.1
  • The top 18 to 23 layers of skin sells are made of dead cells. 1
  • An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun2.
  • The more melanin your body produces, the darker your skin. 3
  • Changes in your skin reveal a lot about your health.3

Skin check

Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.2 And skin cells, like those damaged from the sun or tanning beds, may begin to rapidly multiply out of control and form a tumor.4 That’s why it’s important to examine your skin for any changes that may indicate cancer or pre-cancer.

While it’s a good idea to see your doctor every year for a professional skin exam, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you examine your skin monthly—from head to toe.5

Look out for new or unusual spots or anything that’s changing, itching, or bleeding. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns—and check again next month!

Protect your skin, every day

In the meantime, here are some healthy skin tips from the American Academy of Dermatology1

  • Clean up! Wash your face every day—and after exercising. Lather up with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
  • Lock in the moisture. Moisturize your skin daily by applying lotion or cream while your skin is still damp from bathing. Use petroleum jelly to treat minor injuries and to moisturize dry skin and nails.
  • Sweat less. Choose antiperspirant—rather than just deodorant—to reduce underarm sweating.
  • Customize! Select skin care products tailored to your skin type:
    • Oily
    • Dry
    • Combination
    • Normal
    • Sensitive
  • Sunburn—ouch! Protect yourself from excess sun exposure by seeking out the shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Learn about sunlight and your health.
  • Watch out for your feet. Prevent blisters and corns on your feet by wearing properly fitting shoes, keeping your toenails trimmed, and wearing socks made from nylon or moisture-wicking fabrics.

 

References:
1 https://www.aad.org.link opens in a new window
2 http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts.link opens in a new window
3 https://www.everydayhealth.com/news/10-amazing-facts-about-skin/.link opens in a new window
4 http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/graphics/warning.link opens in a new window
5 http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detection/step-by-step-self-examination.link opens in a new window