November is National Healthy Skin Month!
What can you do to keep your skin looking healthy?
Here are five tips from board-certified dermatologist, Dr Jennifer Breedlove, that will keep your skin looking healthy too.
1. Wear your sunscreen daily, regardless of the weather, rain or shine. We usually recommend a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 applied 20 minutes prior to going out and then reapplied every two hours while out. Also, avoid the high noon hours if possible (10am-4pm), use wide-brimmed hats and seek shade when possible.
2. Avoid tanning beds. Tanned skin is damaged skin and no tan is “safe”. Not only does tanning increase your skin cancer risk, it also prematurely ages your skin.
3. Know what skin type you are and use products compatible with your skin type. Is your skin sensitive, normal, dry, oil or combination?
4. Use a lip balm daily for protection of the lips. During the day, a SPF of at least 30 is preferred. Skin cancer can happen on the lips as well! Furthermore, cold sores are triggered by stress but can also be triggered by the sun, so a daily lip balm with SPF can help with prevention of cold sores as well!
5. See your board certified dermatologist if you notice a new spot, it starts to change, is itching, bleeding or otherwise concerning. Skin cancer caught early can be life saving.
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