Celebrate National Healthy Skin Awareness Month

Nov 12, 2013
Marisa Machak • Beauty

The American Academy of Dermatology has selected November as National Healthy Skin Awareness Month. Known as the largest organ of the body, the skin should be the highest priority on your list for health and beauty. Following a few simple steps like knowing your exact skin type, wearing SPF every day and inspecting your skin regularly can protect your overall health and even save your life. It’s never too late to evaluate the health of your skin to protect it for years to come!

Know Your Skin Type

The start to healthy, great-looking skin is to know what type of skin you have. Whether normal, dry, oily or combination; your skin requires a personalized routine. After discovering what your skin type is, you will know how to take care of it and what necessary products to use.

Create Your Own Personal Skin Care Routine

Keep your skin up to par with the help of a personalized skin care routine. Washing your face morning and night, then following with appropriate products based on your skin type like toners, moisturizers and creams only worn during the day or at night will keep your skin on a stable schedule to ensure healthy, balanced skin.

Choose the Right Products

Using products that soothe your skin will help it to retain more moisture, look younger and essentially be all-around healthier. Select products incorporating anti-aging properties to help keep your skin appearing younger for longer and in great shape. Don’t forget to keep a well-balanced diet by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and getting a good night’s sleep to ensure healthier skin.

Inspect Your Skin Regularly

Check out your own skin every month by standing in front of a mirror and examining your entire body from your scalp to the soles of your feet. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your skin or irregular looking spots or moles, get them checked out by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Visit Your Dermatologist

In addition to inspecting your skin regularly yourself, visit your dermatologist every six months. Just like getting regular check-ups for your body internally, your body needs a check-up externally too. Dermatologists are able to properly diagnose skin worries and examine any portions of the skin that you might have missed during your own inspection.

Protect Your Skin for the Future

Sun damage and skin cancer is no joke. A high SPF of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays should be worn every single day of the year, no matter what the weather. Minimize excessive sun exposure to lower your risk of getting skin cancer. Carry umbrellas, wear hats and long sleeved clothing to help better protect your skin from damaging sunrays.