Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it’s important to take good care of it.  Keep your skin in good shape with these healthy skin tips:

1. Protect your skin from the sun & stay out of tanning beds

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds causes premature aging of your skin & increases your risk for skin cancer.

Protect your skin from the sun every day:

• Seek shade
• Cover up with sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, UPF shirts and pants
• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater.  Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.

Apply self-tanner rather than getting a tan.  There is no such thing as a safe tan.  Every time you get a tan, you prematurely age your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds causes premature aging of your skin & increases your risk for skin cancer.  

2. Examine your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer

It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.  When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.

Look for new or unusual spots, as well as anything changing, itching, or bleeding.  Learn how to perform a self-skin exam

See a board-certified dermatologist if you have any concerns.

3. Wash your face every day

Washing your face every day is important, but how you wash your face can make a difference.  

• Limit washing to twice a day and after sweating heavily.
• Use a mild, gentle cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
• Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser in a gentle, circular motion.  Avoid scrubbing.  
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
• Apply moisturizer if your skin is dry or itchy.

4. Moisturize Daily

Apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp from bathing or washing to lock in moisture and get the best results.

Creams or ointments are more effective and less irritating than lotions.

5. Determine your skin type

Choose skin care products formulated for your skin type.

Skin Types include:

• Oily Skin is shiny and greasy
• Dry Skin is flaky, itchy, or rough
• Combination Skin is dry in some areas and oily in others
• Normal Skin is clear and not sensitive
• Sensitive Skin may sting or burn after product use

6. Don’t Smoke

Smoking speeds up how quickly your skin ages.  Smoking also makes wounds heal more slowly.

Some skin conditions may also be worsened by smoking, including psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.