Skin care is for everyone. November is National Healthy Skin Month, launched by the American Academy of Dermatology in 1997 as an opportunity to focus on the health of the skin, learn about the role of skin care in skin health, and focus on healthy habits for skin, hair and nails.
Who should have a skin care routine?
A good skin care routine is important for everyone, at every age. How we care for our skin will change as we move through our lives and depending on specific health issues and skin conditions. But everyone’s skin needs care. Skin care includes how and how often we cleanse and moisturize the skin, our choices around sun/UV exposure and protection, medications or treatments we use on our skin, skin-focused supplements or vitamins, and even procedures we might elect such as for hair removal, nail treatments or other focused goals. Our skin care routine should be informed by some general principles, but personalized based on specific needs.
What is a good skin care routine?
The basics of a good skin care routine include once daily cleansing and moisturizing and applying sunscreen to all exposed areas every morning. Products selected should put safety first. If you’re looking for a more enhanced, personalized routine, consider scheduling an appointment with us. We’ll help you identify specific needs and opportunities with your skin and can recommend products in a range of budgets.
Pay attention to your skin.
Take the time to pay attention to your skin - notice if you experience changes, in particular if something seems unhealthy or is concerning for skin cancer. Our skin changes as we age, in some ways that are expected and predictable and others that may be unexpected. If something concerns you, have it evaluated. Build a relationship with your dermatologist through regular annual skin exams. Your dermatologist will get to know your skin and can answer any questions and address any concerns that come up, including about skin care. At Spectrum, we love to educate and are delighted to have the opportunity to help support you in your skin health journey.
Your dermatologist knows.
There is an abundance of information online about skin care, hair care and nail care. Navigating that advice can be daunting and confusing. Inaccurate advice has the potential for causing significant harm. But how does one know what to believe? A good way to determine if advice is sound is to look at who is giving it. Dermatologists are the experts in all things skin, hair and nails. Trust the experts.
Wishing you good skin health,
Paula D Zook, MD
