Dermatology of North Asheville's Top 7 Skin Care Tips
Keep your skin healthy with our top tips and learn how, when, and where you need to use sunscreen!
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Our board-certified dermatologists are experts when it comes to diagnosing and treating skin diseases and conditions. But, they also care about daily skincare too! In the article below, Dr. L. Evan Michael shares his top 7 skincare tips with you!
Tip #1: Get Smart About the Sun.
Here at Dermatology of North Asheville, we aren’t afraid to shout about it- we’re all in for team sunscreen! Applying sunscreen correctly and daily is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Shielding your skin from those UV rays prevents more than sunburn, you’ll also protect against skin cancer, premature aging, wrinkles, and sunspots!
How do you choose a sunscreen?
Make sure you’ve chosen one that’s broad-spectrum and water-resistant. The SPF needs to be at least 30 or higher, and you need to make sure and reapply as needed. “As-needed” means every two hours, and immediately if you’ve been swimming or sweating! Products that contain sunscreen are great, but remember that the same reapplication and SPF rules apply. If you don’t want to put on new makeup or moisturizer every two hours, add sunscreen.
Extra Sun Smart Steps: Sunscreen is only one part of the puzzle. We also recommend making sure you seek shade when outdoors and choose sun-protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses are all great choices. Select clothing with UPF labels for extra points!
Tip #2: Lips Need Sun Protection Too!
Did you know that your lips can get sunburned and develop skin cancer? We added this as a separate step to emphasize the importance of choosing a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher before heading out. Petroleum jelly is a great way to add extra moisture if your lips feel dry or chapped, but please don’t apply these without proper sunscreen underneath.
Tip #3: Just Say NO to Tanning Beds.
Did you know that just ONE indoor tanning session can increase your risk of developing melanoma by 20%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, and basal cell carcinoma by 29%? Yikes! There are definitely safer ways to get that golden glow. Experiment with self-tanning products to find one that works well for you and learn to apply it correctly to avoid orange skin, streaks, or splotches. There are many fantastic new products on the market that look very natural. It’s faster, cheaper, easier, and safer than a tanning bed. We think that’s a win!
Tip #4: Simplify, Simplify, Simplify.
Piling on multiple products can really irritate your skin. Start with the basics: a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. Establish a simple morning and evening routine. If you want to try adding in another step, add in one product at a time, and give your skin plenty of time to adapt. If you do have a problem, you’ll know that the new product is the culprit.
Tip #5: Know Your Skin.
Do you know what type of skin you have? Many people find that their skin changes as they age. Make sure you observe your skin carefully for changes and update your products accordingly. Choosing products that match your current skin needs can make a huge difference. Here’s a quick guide to skin types:
Sensitive skin: May sting or burn after product use
Normal skin: Clear and not sensitive
Dry skin: Flaky, itchy, or rough
Combination skin: Dry in some areas and oily in others
Oily: Shiny and greasy
Tip #6: Your Face is a Hands-Free Zone.
Do you find yourself touching your face often? Every touch can add dirt, germs, and oil to your face. Pay attention to your habits, and try to retrain yourself to avoid this one. A crucial type of touch to avoid is picking, popping, or squeezing pimples. This habit can make the problem even worse or cause infections and scarring.
Tip # 7: Schedule Time for your Skin.
When was your last skin check? Plan ahead and make sure you schedule regular checkups. However, don’t wait for next year’s checkup if you see something suspicious! Any moles that itch, bleed or change color should be checked right away. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point- it’s the most common cancer in the US! Melanoma causes 20 deaths a day in the US alone, but it is highly treatable if detected early. Do yourself a favor and stop any potential problems before they start!
