Every November, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) designates the month as National Healthy Skin Month. This month is dedicated to celebrating the largest organ of our body—our skin, encouraging individuals to prioritize good skincare practices. Not only is your skin your body’s largest organ, but your skin also reveals a lot about your overall health. It serves as a protective barrier against external elements and plays a significant role in regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration.
Creating a Skincare Routine:
Following a consistent skincare routine is important in maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing various skin issues. This routine does not have to be super intricate and include expensive products. The main aspects you’ll want to focus on are cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun. There are many effective drugstore cleansers such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and LaRoche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Some drugstore moisturizers include Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturizer.
Sun Protection:
Protecting your skin from the sun is very important in order to prevent serious skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 and More than 2 people in the U.S. die of skin cancer every hour. As you can see, prioritizing sun protection is not only a cosmetic concern but a crucial aspect of overall health.
My personal favorite SPF product is the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen. I enjoy this product because it has a slight tint to even out the complexion and it is very lightweight on the skin. While this product is on the pricier side at $43.00, there are many drugstore options that work just as effectively. A few examples of these include the Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 30 and the E.L.F. Cosmetics Suntouchable! Whoa Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen. Prioritizing sun protection is a proactive and essential step in maintaining healthy and radiant skin throughout your life.
Skin Issues Awareness:
National Healthy Skin Month also encourages awareness about common skin issues such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer and how to prevent them. Regular check-ups with dermatologists, practicing sun safety, and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key components of preventive skincare. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in addressing skin concerns. Consider November as an opportunity to schedule an annual visit to the dermatologist to evaluate your skin’s health.
Overall, National Healthy Skin Month serves as a valuable reminder to celebrate and prioritize our skin. Care for your skin by adopting a simple yet effective skincare routine, being proactive about sun protection, and becoming aware of common skin issues. Embrace this month as an opportunity to celebrate all that your skin does for you and by showing it some extra love.