5 Quick and Easy Tips for Healthy Skin

November is National Healthy Skin Month so it’s a great time to review your current skincare regimen and implement some new healthy routines.

But first, you must understand healthy skin is NOT flawless skin. Unless you’re a newborn-baby, your skin most likely has some minor blemishes, variations in pigmentation, and maybe even a wrinkle or two. 

That’s ok! Your goal should NOT be based on the outward appearance of your skin, but to have the healthiest skin possible.

What is Healthy Skin

The skin is the body’s largest organ and it performs many important functions to keep your inner-body safe and healthy. 

The defining characteristic of healthy skin is the ability to quickly and effectively protect your body from injury and disease.

Healthy skin is::

• A normal color (not paler than usual or red all over)
• Bright and supple
• Smooth, not flaky, scaly, or cracked
• Clear in areas not prone to breakouts

The world is full of germs, irritants, contaminated air and water, toxins, UV radiation, and pollutants. Your skin provides protection from these harmful elements through Barrier Function. And it’s not just external triggers that affect your skin health. Unmanaged stress can also make you appear older and take a physical toll on your skin, hair, and nails.

Skin Care Tips

These tips will help you achieve HEALTHIER skin … to look and feel your best by learning to care for your skin throughout the year.

• Wash your face daily with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. 
• Don’t forget to moisturize using skincare products appropriate for your skin type.  Apply a lotion or cream while skin is still damp from bathing to maximize hydration.
• Protect your skin by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoiding unnecessary UV exposure. 
• Manage your stress level. Stress can increase your cortisol levels, making you more prone to breakouts. It can also aggravate certain skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea or trigger hives or fever-blisters. 
• Get annual professional skin cancer screenings in addition to performing monthly self-exams. Keep an eye out for the ABCDE’s of skin cancer.

The Bottom Line

Celebrate National Healthy Skin Month by committing to care for your skin every day of the year!

Healthier skin is within reach of everyone! It will take discipline to be consistent in your routine, but the payoff is worth it!

If you need help choosing the right skin care products, a consultation with a professional aesthetician is a great place to start. Our Master Aesthetician, Lynne Hicks, will evaluate your skin and recommend the best products for optimal results.

And don’t forget your annual skin cancer screening! In-office and virtual visits are available with the providers at Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater.

Call to make your appointment today at 757-461-1033 Opt. 1.

Author

Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, located in Norfolk, Virginia, provides comprehensive personalized dermatologic care to patients of all skin types, conditions, and ages. Medical director Jonathan Schreiber, MD, PhD and the entire professional medical team at Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater approach dermatologic exams from the medical root of an issue, and similarly, cosmetic issues from the science of a treatment, using science-based support and results with the treatment services offered to patients.