Skin Health: Tips to Healthy Skin

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It protects you from germs, helps control body temperature, and lets you feel the world around you. In the Antelope Valley, our skin works extra hard. Dry air, strong sun, wind and big temperature changes can leave skin dry, itchy and irritated. A few simple habits can keep it healthy all year.

Protect yourself from the sun

Sun damage is the biggest cause of early skin aging and a major risk factor for skin cancer. Our high desert sun is strong even in winter. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin every day, and reapply when you are outdoors for a long time. Wear hats, sunglasses and light long sleeves when you can. Try to stay in the shade during the middle of the day.

Keep moisture in

Dry skin is very common here. It can crack, itch and even bleed. These habits help:

• Take shorter showers with warm, not hot, water
• Use a gentle, fragrance free cleanser
• Pat skin dry and apply moisturizer within a few minutes
• Choose thicker creams or ointments in winter
• Use a humidifier at night, especially in the bedroom
• Drink water throughout the day
• Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes

The best moisturizer is the one you will use every day. Simple and fragrance free is often the right choice.

Watch your skin for changes

Check your skin once a month for new spots or changes in moles. Look for spots that are not symmetrical, have uneven borders, have more than one color, are larger than a pencil eraser, or are changing. Show any concerning spot to your doctor. Sores that do not heal should also be checked.

If you have diabetes, check your feet every day for cuts, blisters or redness, since healing can be slower.

Some medicines can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and more likely to burn. Some antibiotics, water pills and acne medicines are examples. Others can cause dry skin or rashes. If you notice a new rash after starting a medicine, call us or your doctor. Call 911 for a rash with swelling of the face or trouble breathing.

We carry many skin care products, from gentle cleansers to moisturizers, sunscreen and anti itch creams. We are happy to help you choose. If you are using a prescription cream, ask us how much to use and how often.

Healthy habits from the inside

What you eat, how you sleep and how you manage stress all show on your skin. A balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, enough sleep, and not smoking all support healthy skin.

Call us at 661.941.4402 or stop by to find the right skin care products for you.

This article is general education, not medical advice.