Skin, your biggest organ, is the only barrier you have between you and the world in which we live.
Caring for your skin and keeping it well is vital to your overall health.
Protecting your skin from the sun is the No. 1 thing you can do to keep your skin healthy:
- When outdoors, stay covered up with clothing and wear sunscreen of at least 15 SPF and use a lot of it.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every two hours.
- Do not forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, lips and neck, as 80 percent of skin cancers occur in these areas.
- Watch out for reflective light from sand, snow and bright concrete.
- Please do not be fooled by lack of sunlight on a cloudy day; clouds are no barrier for us.
- Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most damaging.
In addition to being aware of the dangers of sun exposure, other steps may be taken to promote healthy skin. Caring for your skin can start as soon as you get out of bed.
Try an ancient exfoliation technique called dry brushing, which can stimulate circulation and remove dead skin cells. Use a brush with natural fibers and brush your arms and legs using short firm strokes.
Follow this regimen with a cool shower instead of warm because hot water tends to dry and toughen your skin.
Also, use a natural oil-based soap and moisturize after showering.
Other helpful tips to improve your skin health include eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and avoiding tobacco, caffeine and alcohol. Furthermore, it’s recommended that adults visit their dermatologist at least once a year for a full body examination, as well as perform regular self-checks to look for new moles, lumps and discoloration of your skin.
Best advice: Take care of your skin, and it will take care of you.
Dr. Kris Gast is a board certified radiation oncologist. She has been in practice for 21 years, the last 13 at Fort Smith Radiation Oncology in Fort Smith. Her column Cancer Demystified APPEARS the first Wednesday of every month in the Times Record. Send questions to email@example.com.