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Four simple tips to keep skin healthy

By Laine Elam
Posted 12/6/19

The skin is an important organ that is often neglected and overlooked when it comes to our health. Skin protects us from elements and microbes help in the regulation of temperature and works with …

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Four simple tips to keep skin healthy

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The skin is an important organ that is often neglected and overlooked when it comes to our health. Skin protects us from elements and microbes help in the regulation of temperature and works with many other organs to help our bodies function properly.

Skin can also indicate an illness, internal abnormality, disease, or cancer. Keeping our skin healthy is as ritual as any other organ’s health goal, and paying attention to our skin health is important. Here are four simple skin care tips that will benefit everyone:

 

Sun protection

Sun exposure in moderation can be healthy for our skin. There are many factors that determine what amount of exposure is healthy. Some skin types require more protection from UV rays than others, but all skin types are changed by sun exposure.

Sunburns and tanning beds are not considered healthy and should be avoided. Other considerations when determining healthy sun exposure practices involve time of day, length of time, elevation and reflective elements such as water.

The best protection product contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Clothing, umbrellas, brimmed hats and shaded areas are also helpful. Don’t ignore areas of the body commonly missed such as ears, behind the ears, scalp, hands and feet including toes and fingers, neck and lips. One of the biggest factors is starting young!

 

Moisture

There are more ways than one to improve the moisture of our skin. Our skin can reveal our hydration status, so drinking water is one way to increase moisture to our skin. For those with dry skin issues, avoiding soaps in those areas is helpful.

Applying a moisturizer that contains ceramides will also improve our skin’s health. Ceramides help our skin retain moisture.

 

Proper cleaning

When it comes to our facial skin, there are slightly different rules than the rest of our body. It is important to cleanse the skin on our face routinely, especially to remove makeup or environmental elements that we have been exposed to.

A gentle cleanser is recommended as well as cleaning it with gentle pressure and motions. Sometimes scrubbing or exfoliating is necessary, but in general, daily cleansing should be gentle.

The rest of the body can be treated more vigorously but as with the face, a moisturizing gentle cleanser should be used. As discussed earlier, those who have dry skin issues, soaps can be avoided unless necessary to remove dirt or exposure to harmful microbes. Water is an adequate cleanser.

 

Pay attention to your skin

Our skin can tell a story about not only external exposures, but internal problems. Pay attention to your skin and any changes in it. Don’t ignore changes in texture, pigment or sensation.

See a dermatologist provider at least once a year to be examined for any medical problems, disease or abnormalities. Our skin will change with age, but education from your provider can make a difference in your overall health.

(Laine Elam, PA-C, of Tallman Dermatology, is a dermatology provider at Powell Valley Healthcare’s Visiting Specialist Clinics.)

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