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Writer's pictureMark Roberts

The Skin You're In

November is National Healthy Skin Month according to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), and is an opportunity to learn about skin health and conditions. Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of the body and plays an important protective role. It holds body fluids in, prevents dehydration, and keeps harmful germs out. Healthy skin is important because it can prevent sickness or damage to the bones, muscles, and internal organs.


To some extent, your genes determine how well your skin stands the test of time. But environmental factors, such as sun exposure, play a big role as well, affecting not just your skin’s appearance, but also your risk of skin cancer. When it comes to skin treatments, there’s lots of good news regarding therapies for medical conditions as well as cosmetic concerns. But it’s important to choose your treatments with care and to check and double-check the reputation and accreditation of clinicians performing invasive skin procedures.


The market for skin treatments is skyrocketing: research indicates Americans spend an estimated $5 billion or more each year on anti-aging skin care products, and the number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to improve the skin’s appearance—like chemical peels, fillers, and lasers—has increased to more than 16 million annually in the United States according to Harvard Health (https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/skin-and-hair).


Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — your daily habits, in fact, have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. But according to the New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/25/well/live/skin-care-winter-dryness.html), depending on which product reviews you read or doctors you consult, there is a dizzying number of opinions on everything from how to moisturize to how to protect yourself from UV rays.


Ultimately, caring for your skin is simply personal. Treating your skin and your body with products that provide options for making sure there’s no harm done is a big factor for your overall health and wellness. As the cold winter weather rolls in, you might also notice your skin feeling dry and irritated. That's why, experts say, it's time to switch up your skin-care routine to keep your skin feeling moisturized and healthy. Swapping in a few new skin products and scaling back on others can be a game-changer to soothe angry winter skin, according to experts at Today (https://www.today.com/health/skin-beauty/winter-skin-care-tips-rcna67038).


Thanks to some environmental factors, it’s common for skin to feel dry more frequently in the winter. The cold, dry winter season can also exacerbate some skin common conditions, including eczema and rosacea. Another condition, psoriasis, can also flare up in the winter, which can also be due to a lack of ambient sun exposure. Whether you have one of those skin conditions or not, pretty much everyone can benefit from making some simple tweaks to their skin care routine as the weather and our habits change.


Caring for skin during winter takes just a little extra time and effort because the conditions are rather extreme for our tender protective barrier. Skin gets exposed to the elements: cold air whipping wind sun reflecting off snow. Low humidity is common in colder climates stealing moisture from skin every second of every day. And indoors it's blasted with dry heat.


The dry air pulls all moisture from your skin, unless you interfere by using hydrating and barrier-reinforcing products to retain that moisture. These efforts are easily undone, however, by taking long, hot showers or sleeping in a bone-dry room for 8 hours. So naturally, your skincare regimen needs to evolve with the dropping temps.


It's no wonder Your skin often ends up dry flaky and itchy. And once dryness starts skin can more easily crack and bleed. These tips from Reid Health can help you prevent that uncomfortable, unsightly result and keep your skin healthy and happy through the winter months:

  • Add moisture to your home. To counter the drying effects of indoor heat the Mayo Clinic suggests running a humidifier. You can use a portable or tabletop model or one that integrates with your existing heating system. Moisture in the air will be absorbed by your skin.

  • Add moisture from the inside out. Increasing your water intake will help hydrate your skin.

  • Don't forget sunscreen. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean the sun isn't affecting your skin says Bingham Memorial Hospital. The sun reflecting off snow means UV rays are hitting you from additional angles.

  • Moisturize your skin thoroughly. Switch to an oil-based moisturizer in the winter; your skin will appreciate it. Consider overnight deep moisturizer treatments which can help particularly dry areas like hands feet elbows knees and lips. Cover with cotton gloves and socks to hold the moisture in all night long.

  • Switch your cleanser. It's a good idea to trade in your current body wash for a more moisturizing hydrating cleanser in winter particularly if your usual choice contains drying ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid. Tone and moisturize within 30 seconds of finishing cleansing to avoid further dehydration.

  • Take extra care. Winter skin is more fragile so if you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis be sure to avoid any irritants or allergens that you know flare your condition.

With a little extra TLC you can have soft smooth radiant skin all winter long. Nothing beats the look and feel of healthy skin, right? The journey to achieving a luminous visage can feel like a long one, because nowadays, there is so much information at your fingertips. With the global skin-care market expected to reach sales of over $207 billion by 2028, you can bet there are bigger and better treatments, products, tools, and innovations to come in this sector.


Winter skincare tips is all about providing your skin with the nourishment and protection it needs to stay healthy and beautiful. A combination of the right products, a dedicated routine, and a little self-care will go a long way in keeping your skin radiant even when the weather is cold and harsh. Now, with these winter skin care methods, you’re well-prepared to face the winter with confidence and glowing skin.


What is your skin saying about you? Can you change your habits to have healthier and more youthful-looking skin? It’s never too late to start caring for your skin. Whether the weather is harsh or gentle, warm or cold, wet or dry, there are some general rules to follow to maintain healthy skin. For healthier skin, follow these tips from Rush Copley Medical Group:

  1. Eat a healthy diet. Your diet is an important part of maintaining healthy skin. The key is eating blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, kale, dark chocolate and other foods that contain high levels of antioxidants, avoiding sugar spikes that can damage the collagen that makes skin youthful, and avoiding processed foods that cause inflammation and can damage the collagen and elastic fibers in your skin. Drink plenty of water, too.

  2. Exercise. Exercise is good for your muscles, bones, joints and brain. It’s also good for your skin. When you exercise, blood flow increases throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin.

  3. Get enough rest. Your body repairs itself when you sleep. In fact, a recent study showed that healthy people who slept between seven and nine hours a night had healthier appearing and functioning skin. Make sure you get enough sleep to keep your body — and your skin — healthy.

  4. Don’t smoke. People who smoke often age prematurely, have uneven skin coloring and deeper wrinkles. That’s because cigarette smoke damages collagen, causing skin to become dry and less elastic. Smoking also increases your risk of skin cancer.

  5. De-stress. Stress triggers the release of hormones that break down collagen and elastin, aging your skin and leaving it looking dull. Stress also can cause your skin to produce more oil, resulting in breakouts and acne.

  6. Protect your skin from the sun. The sun’s rays will do more than tan your skin. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer. Protect your skin with sunscreen and protective clothing all year long.

  7. Keep your skin clean. Keeping skin clean is important because it allows your skin to breathe. That’s why you should wash your face morning and night and remove makeup before bed. Remember the importance of proper cleaning: Use warm (not hot) water and limit the time you spend bathing or showering. Prolonged exposure to hot water can actually dehydrate the skin. Also, remember to apply a gentle moisturizing lotion or cream to help your skin stay hydrated.

  8. Moisturize. Moisturizers help restore the outermost layer of skin to its natural condition. Daily use of a moisturizer helps maintain your skin’s healthy cells and moisture barrier. It can also help prevent itching and rashes that result from excessively dry skin, especially as you grow older. Apply a moisturizer to your face and body.

  9. Avoid scented products if you have sensitive skin or eczema. If you have these conditions, you may notice fewer flare-ups if you avoid fragranced products. Look for fragrance-free soaps, moisturizers and laundry detergents.

  10. Visit your dermatologist regularly for a skin exam to help detect skin cancers. Early detection of skin cancer can save your life.

Both men and women can follow these tips for proper skincare. You can find more information on this website about skincare products that provide affordable options for healthy skin at https://www.careingdentalgroup.com/healthy-lifestyle



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