National Healthy Skin Month
November marks National Healthy Skin Month, a campaign introduced in 1997 by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It’s the perfect time to give your skin some extra love and attention.
Our skin isn’t just our largest organ, but also our first line of defence against the elements. Taking care of it is essential for our overall health and wellbeing.
Let’s explore some simple yet effective ways to keep your skin healthy, radiant, and protected.
Keep an eye on your skin
One of the most important steps in skincare is regularly monitoring your skin for any changes. Look out for new moles, freckles, or alterations in existing spots to catch any issues early on.
If you have a history of skin cancer, have an outdoors job, or have fair or red hair and skin that burns easily, you are at higher risk of skin cancer and need to take extra care when out in the sun with reliable sun protection.
Make it a habit to examine your skin from head to toe once a month. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas or ask a loved one for help. Look for anything unusual, such as new growths, changes in size, shape, or colour of existing moles, sores that don’t heal, or any itching and tenderness. The British Association of Dermatologists provides this useful guide for checking your moles.
If you notice anything suspicious, seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Avoid sunbeds
While a bronzed glow often makes us look healthier, using sunbeds is not the way to achieve it. Sunbeds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can damage your skin just like the sun does, leading to premature ageing and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association claims that indoor tanning can increase the risk of developing the two most common types of skin cancer – squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%.
Instead of sunbeds, consider alternatives like self-tanning products or bronzing makeup, which can provide a natural-looking tan without harmful UV exposure.
Remember, there’s no such thing as a safe tan from UV radiation. Protecting your skin today can help prevent serious problems in the future.
Get professional skin advice
Board-certified dermatologists and skin specialists can assess your unique skin type and concerns, providing personalised advice and safe treatments. They use clinically tested products and techniques that are effective and tailored to your individual needs. More useful information for patients with specific skin conditions can be found on the British Association of Dermatologists website here.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Perform regular skin checks by setting aside time each month to examine your skin thoroughly. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (preferably SPF 50) daily to protect your skin from UV rays, even on cloudy days. Drinking plenty of water also keeps your skin hydrated and looking naturally more radiant.
At EssexPrivateGP, we offer general skin consultations as well as aesthetic consultations that include treatments like dermal fillers, using a high standard hyaluronic acid for targeting a wide range of concerns. Schedule an appointment with our experienced team today.
