Your skin is more than just your body’s largest organ; it’s a shield that protects you in countless ways. It’s your body’s first line of defense against the elements, infections, and injuries.
It’s Healthy Skin Month, and we want to help you maintain healthy skin. The American Academy of Dermatology designated November National Healthy Skin Month in 1997. This month serves to remind us of the importance of healthy skin. So, let’s get right into it. We’re going to share valuable skincare tips and encourage everyone to take a closer look at their skin.
Signs You Have Healthy Skin
Terms like glass skin are trending at the moment. This stands for seemingly perfect and flawless-looking natural skin. The reality is that not everyone has this “perfect-looking” skin. If you have texture, redness, or discoloration, we want you to know that this doesn’t mean your skin is unhealthy. In fact, these are signs that your skin is healthy. Let’s look at some other signs of what healthy skin looks like.
- Your skin is hydrated enough
- You’re practicing sun protection daily, even if you’re not going out that day
- Your skin doesn’t feel unusual or uncomfortable
- The texture on your face is consistent (you don’t have bumps(not-acne) that you’re worried about)
- The color of your skin is pretty much similar (redness and discoloration are natural)
- You regularly exfoliate your skin
If you’re doing all of these things, then it’s very likely that your skin is healthy. Your body, including your skin, needs water, so make sure you’re hydrating. In addition, protecting yourself from UV rays from the sun with sunscreen daily is important. This protects the skin from developing skin cancer that comes from being over-exposed to the sun. Lastly, dead skin cells can linger on your body. Exfoliating at least once a week is a step you should add to your skincare routine. If you need a skincare routine, we have you covered. Read this blog to get started.
Signs Your Skin Is Unhealthy
Your skin communicates with you when something is wrong. Be on the lookout for dry, flaky skin. This could be a sign of a more serious condition like psoriasis or thyroid disease. Unnecessary redness or inflammation might point to a burn, allergy, or infection. Complete changes in skin color from your usual color to yellow or blue will also let you know that you need to seek immediate medical help.
It’s also important not to forget the skin on your lips. Chapped lips can indicate dehydration, so it’s crucial to stay well-hydrated. If your lips develop blisters and sores, that is usually a sign of herpes. If you would like to get tested for herpes, please get in touch with MyCHN for our same-day visits.
How To Improve Your Skin
Maintaining healthy skin should be a priority throughout life, regardless of your age. Here are some tips to improve your skin.
- Cleanse: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser in the morning and before bedtime. Don’t forget to cleanse after exercising and sweating.
- Skincare Products: Use skincare products tailored to your skin type. A consultation with a dermatology professional can help you choose the best products for your unique skin.
- Sunscreen: Never leave home without applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Sunscreen is a crucial tool in protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
- Hydration: Drink water and consume water-rich foods to keep your body hydrated from the inside out. Use a moisturizer to maintain your skin’s barrier and protect it from dryness.
- Skin Checks: Regularly inspect your skin for signs of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, is curable when detected early. Keep an eye out for spots that look different from the rest, and if you notice changes in appearance, texture, itching, or bleeding, consult your dermatology professional.
Remember, good skincare is a year-round commitment. Be consistent with your regimen so you can recognize when immediate medical attention is required. With November being Healthy Skin Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to schedule a skin check with your dermatology professional. And if you have any concerns about your skin, don’t hesitate to contact MyCHN. A provider will work with you to enhance the health and vitality of your skin. Your skin is not just a cover; it’s a living, breathing part of you that deserves your care and attention.
Tolulope Ayoola
Tolulope Ayoola is the creative marketing content writer at MyCHN. She graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a degree in Technical Communications. Her goal and mission is to make healthcare patient content more relatable and interesting to interact with. She combines her creative eye with her technical communication skills to create content for patients. Tolu's past work includes creating blogs, press releases, and social media content for different sectors. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, and listening to music & podcasts.
