Skin Health Basics

What you need to know to keep your skin healthy and glowing all summer long!

Follow these skin health tips to minimize damage to your skin, lower your risk of skin cancer, and optimize your youthful appearance.

Skin Health Basic Tip 1: Annual Full Body Skin Cancer Screening

There is no better time than NOW to schedule your skin exam and encourage your loved ones to do the same. A simple full skin exam, performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist, could save your life.

Skin cancer is on the rise. The incidence of melanoma has doubled in the last three decades in the United States and is one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially young women. Be proactive.

Skin Health Basic Tip 2: Seek Shade and Wear a Hat

If you have the option, sit in the shade. Find an umbrella at the pool or a shaded area under a tree when possible.

Limit your sun exposure during peak hours from 10am to 4pm. After all, some of the best pool and beach time is early in the day or evening! 

Find a hat you love, preferably one with a wide brim, and don’t leave home without it. Buy two, so you can keep an extra one in your car, just in case!

Skin Health Basic Tip 3: Don’t Forget the SPF!

Sunscreen should sit next to your toothbrush. It is that important!

Use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF daily. Don’t skimp when its cloudy or in winter. The UV exposure all adds up, and your skin will thank you.

Physical blocking sunscreens, such as Elta MD, are fantastic zinc and titanium dioxide sunscreens that we love for everyday year-round use. (Grab some next time you're in the office - we always have it in stock and often have discounts!)

Skin Health Basic Tip 4: Avoid Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are bad news. Period.

Tanning bed use not only drastically increases your risk of skin cancer, but also causes premature aging of the skin. They do not give you a “base tan” or protect your skin in any way.  Avoid them!

Skin Health Basic Tip 5: Cleanser, Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid

In addition to your daily SPF, a retinol at night and a Vitamin C in the morning will work together to fight damaging free radicals and accelerate skin turn over. This combination will fight sun damage and keep your skin youthful and radiant. 

Keep in mind, though: not all retinols and vitamin Cs are created equal, and individual skin type is important when selecting these products (pop in for a skincare consultation! It's free, and Torrie can help you find the perfect products for you!) An appropriate cleanser and topical hyaluronic acid will maximize anti-aging efficacy. 

Skin Health Basic Tip 6: H20

Drink up! Ample daily water intake helps your body perform at a higher level overall and makes your skin look better from the inside out. It aids in absorption of nutrients, metabolism, and the ridding the body and skin of toxins.

We suggest a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses daily, more if exercising intensely.

Skin Health Basic Tip 7: Choose Your Experts Wisely

It is very important to research the qualifications and education of your skin expert. Board-certified dermatologists are trained to recognize pathology of the skin in its early stages and are equipped to treat not only skin cancer, but thousands of other skin conditions.

Dermatologists and aesthetic nurse practitioners like Torrie have a special interest in maintaining your skin's natural and youthful appearance. We are the experts in at-home skin regimens as well as in–office procedures including neurotoxin injections like Botox. We're also your best bet when you're looking for fillers, laser treatment, microneedling, and chemical peels.

We're here to help and happy to consult to help find the best skincare for you! Call us today!