November is Healthy Skin Month

Avoid overwashing your skin. Removing dirt and makeup is essential, but the natural oils on the skin protect our skin barrier and prevent dryness or irritation.Use moisturizers regularly! I recommend applying moisturizer liberally following a shower or bath. Blot the skin dry with your towel, then apply immediately to “lock in” the moisture.

The skin is the window to the inner workings of our body – a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and stress relief, has been shown to improve the quality of the skin.

The one piece of sunscreen advice I think is essential is for people of color. While their risk of sun-induced skin cancer is lower, they should consider wearing sunscreen daily because age-related discoloration is one of the top complaints.Wearing sunscreen (at least SPF 30) daily, keeps skin even-toned and helps you avoid using other potentially harmful methods to combat dyspigmentation.

Another tidbit is to take nicotinamide, which is Vitamin B3, twice daily. It is an antioxidant, and there is data suggesting it may decrease the risk of skin cancer. It’s definitely part of my regimen!

While it sounds trite, I think the simplest way to keep your skin healthy is to:

• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid sun, smoking, and alcohol
• Follow a high-quality skincare routine.

The skincare routine need not be elaborate, but it should be complete and include, at a minimum:

• A soap-free, non-drying cleanser capable of removing makeup.
• A treatment product or two, which include antioxidants, an exfoliator, and growth factors.
• Sunscreen and moisturizer.

Specialty products, such as humectants, eye, and neck creams, and products designed to even skin tone, can be layered as icing on the cake.

Focus on your overall health to help keep your skin remain clear, healthy, and young looking. My tip is to engage in self-care every day. Remember to exercise, eat healthily, read a book, and relax to improve your skin because of the skin-mind-body connection.