Maintaining Healthy Skin
Skin is your body’s largest organ and is responsible for acting as a protective barrier in keeping the rest of your body safe. When skin is damaged, it can lead to infections, rashes, discomfort, and even cancer. November is National Skin Health Month. To honor this holiday, consider adapting new ways of keeping your skin safe and healthy.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are incredibly harmful to your skin. If your skin is exposed to the sun for too long, it can cause sunburn, heat rashes, or skin cancer. Keep your skin safe from harmful rays by protecting yourself when you’re outside. Make sure to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas, and reapply sunscreen every few hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. The sun can still damage your skin, even on cold or cloudy days. On colder days, wear layers to block the sun’s rays from harming your skin.
Quit Smoking
Tobacco found in cigarettes contains thousands of harmful chemicals that can cause harm to your body, including your skin. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, smoking is linked to premature skin aging, including yellowing of the fingers and nails. Smoking also causes dry skin, deeper facial wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation.
Not only does smoking change the appearance of the skin, but it also increases your chances of infection and decreases your body’s ability to heal itself. The skin is the body’s first line of defense from outside bacteria entering the body. If your skin is dry and fragile, it increases your chances of cracks or cuts, making it easier for bacteria to invade the body. If bacteria enter the body, your immune system will have a more challenging time fighting if you’re a smoker.
Avoid Harsh Skincare Products
Your skin naturally produces a protective layer of oils and acids called the acid mantle. These natural oils and acids on your skin keep the skin moisturized and intact. When you use harsh soaps and other skincare products, it can strip your skin of the acid mantle. Without that protective layer, your skin can feel dry, itchy, or irritated. Look for skincare products that are gentle on the skin, or ditch the soaps and cleansers when showering altogether. You can still use soap to wash your hands after the bathroom or for days you’re feeling dirtier than usual, but most days, just using warm water in the shower is enough to clean your skin.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can have many different effects on your body. One effect is the release of hormones like cortisol. Cortisol can increase your skin’s natural oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Stress can also affect your immune system, making your skin more sensitive and increasing your chances of rashes and redness. Too much stress can also cause flare-ups to preexisting skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.
To help reduce some of the effects of stress on the skin, find ways to manage your daily stress. This can include light exercise, meditation, or general relaxation. Other ways to manage your stress involve ensuring you’re getting enough sleep and eating a well-balanced diet.
Visit a Dermatologist
Consider visiting a dermatologist if you have a persistent skin condition, such as dry or itchy skin that doesn’t seem to subside with over-the-counter treatments. In some cases, your skin may be reacting to an underlying condition, and your dermatologist can provide resources and treatments to help relieve skin irritation or discomfort. Even if you’re not experiencing a skin condition, you may still benefit from visiting a dermatologist. Dermatologists can examine your skin and help identify potential risks, such as skin cancer.
Working with Visiting Angels
If you or an aging loved one needs helping taking care of their skin, our team of compassionate caregivers is happy to assist with applying sunscreen, finding the proper skincare, and preparing healthy meals. Caregivers can also provide light housekeeping, mobility assistance, personal grooming, transportation, and more. Our Manassas office serves those in Prince William and Western Fairfax counties, including Fort Belvoir and Lorton. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can complete this form online or call us at 703.530.8811.