There are many aspects to maintaining the health of your skin, including cancer prevention and detection, and the importance of seeing a dermatologist for checkups. Here are seven tips for taking care of your skin.
- Apply sunscreen every day before going outdoors. Sunscreen can prevent skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance.
- Perform a skin self-exam. Self-exams can help you find skin cancer early, when it’s highly treatable. If you see a spot that differs from others, or one that changes, itches or bleeds, make an appointment to see a dermatologist.
- Use skin care products that match your skin’s needs. Is your skin dry, oily, normal or sensitive? Read the label and check the ingredient list. You might also want to choose natural products to cleanse your skin.
- Wash your face when waking, before bed and after sweating. Washing when you wake up removes the dirt and bacteria that settle on your face while sleeping. Before bed, you want to remove makeup and grime, such as smog, smoke or dirt, which may have landed on your skin. Gently cleanse the skin; avoid scrubbing, which may cause irritation.
- Avoid burning or tanning in the sun. Anytime you tan or burn, you are prematurely aging your skin. You also increase your risk of getting skin cancer. If you like to have a sun-kissed glow and want to keep your skin healthy, consider using a self-tanner.
- Stress less. Some skin conditions, such as psoriasis, acne, eczema and rosacea, can flare up when you’re stressed. Find healthy ways to manage stress to help keep your skin looking good.
- Quit smoking. Smoking speeds up skin aging. Also, if you smoke, your wounds will take longer to heal. And research shows that smoking worsens some skin diseases. See a board-certified dermatologist if you have any concerns about your skin.
Learn more about caring for your skin in this Blue Cross Virtual Well-BeingSM webinar. You can also sign up for future employer-focused and general interest webinars here, where you’ll find past sessions and resources. Related:
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- Navigating the Menopause Journey
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