Maintaining healthy skin is important year-round, but September is Skin Care Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to reassess your skin care routine and habits. You may not realize it, but healthy skin is more than skin deep. Beautiful, glowing skin is also a reflection of your inner self, so a vibrant complexion means more than the products you put on it.
How to Honor Your Skin during Skin Care Awareness Month
Start incorporating these tips for healthy skin into your daily routine to give your skin the care it deserves.
1. Protect Your Skin from the Sun Every Day
Ask any Dermatologist and they'll tell you that sun protection is the most important step to achieve healthy, youthful skin. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes skin cancer, skin discoloration, and premature aging, like wrinkles and lax skin.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day, even if it's cloudy or you'll be inside much of the day (yes, UV rays can penetrate clouds and glass!). A great option to try is EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. In addition to blocking harmful UV rays, it also has Niacinamide to help reduce redness and Iron Oxides to help block blue light from your computer and other devices. Other key sun protection steps include seeking shade and wearing sun-protective clothing.
2. Develop—and Stick to—a Basic Skin Care Routine
When it comes to skin care, more isn't always better. The foundation of a good skin care routine is the most important, and it's not complicated: wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser like EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser, follow with a moisturizer, and, in the morning, top it off with sunscreen. Once you have the basics down, you can add in other products or steps depending on your skin care needs (see tip three). Just remember—using too many products or overcomplicating your routine can actually be bad for your skin.
3. Use the Right Products for Your Skin Type and Goals
Everyone's skin is a little different, so your skin care needs may not be the same as your best friend's. Start by understanding what type of skin you have—like dry, oily, or combination. This will help guide you to the products that will work best for your skin.
For example, if you have dry skin, look for products with ingredients that help lock in moisture. Try a formula like EltaMD Skin Recovery Light Moisturizer, which contains Squalane and Sodium Hyaluronate (a more potent form of Hyaluronic Acid) to help repair your skin barrier and keep your skin supple.
4. Check Your Skin Regularly
No one knows your skin as well as you do. By doing regular skin checks, you'll know what's normal for your skin and what's new. Anyone can get skin cancer—regardless of skin color or age—and when it's caught early, it's much easier to treat.
Schedule a regular check-in with your skin to see if you notice any new spots, changes to old spots, or spots that have symptoms that don't go away, like crusting or bleeding. If you notice anything new or unusual, visit your Derm. And remember to trust your gut—if you're worried about something, it's always better to get it checked out.
5. Get to Know Your Dermatologist
A Derm is your skin's best friend. From treating stubborn acne to minimizing the appearance of wrinkles to diagnosing skin cancer, a board-certified Derm handles all things related to your skin, hair, and nails. They'll also do a full skin check, which is one of the best ways to catch and prevent skin cancer.
So, whether you're looking for product advice or you're concerned about that new growth on your arm, your Derm is there to answer all your questions. And since each person's skin is a little different, your Derm can also help you develop a personalized plan to set you on the path to healthy, vibrant skin.
6. Build Habits for a Healthy Body and Mind
Your skin is your body's largest organ, and it can reflect your physical health and mental well-being. It's no surprise, then, that a healthy body and mind can promote healthy skin.
To get your best skin, focus on developing healthy habits. Start with a diet that's low in added sugar and full of vegetables, fruits, and other whole foods. Aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep at night (it's called beauty sleep for a reason!), and find ways to cope with stress like exercise, meditation, or nature walks. Limit alcohol intake, and if you smoke—stop.
Small Changes Yield Big Results
Finally, remember to be kind and compassionate with yourself. It's not about being perfect; it's about taking small steps each day toward a healthier you. Healthy skin starts one good habit at a time. Skin Care Awareness Month is the perfect time to start incorporating these tips for healthy skin into your daily routine to reveal your most beautiful, vibrant, and healthy complexion.
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