It’s Healthy Skin Awareness Month, and our team is sounding the alarm on skincare’s importance! After all, your skin is your body’s largest organ, yet so many of us neglect giving it the care it needs. Your skin offers more than protection. It acts as a window into your overall health.

In honor of Healthy Skin Awareness Month, here are six helpful tips to help protect your body’s largest organ! 

Tip #1: Heal from the inside out through stress management.

Stress can be a major trigger for skin condition flare-ups and can worsen symptoms of acne, psoriasis and more. Not only can stress affect your skin but all other parts of your body and your mental state, which is why it is vital to learn how to manage it. 

Try these simple stress management tips to boost skin health:

• Make sure to get around eight hours of sleep. 
• Take time for yourself throughout the week to relax. 
• Take a step back from your busy schedule. 
• Exercise to help reduce stress. 

Remember, a stress-free mind promotes stress-free skin, so make sure to promote your mental health in your skincare journey. 

Tip #2: Wash your face daily. 

Washing your face is one of the most important things you can do to start and end your day. Like washing your hands, this routine removes oil, dirt and unwanted bacteria, leaving your skin fresh and reducing the likelihood of clogged pores. Take it to the next level by using a gentle facial cleanser that not only cleans your face but prevents acne and hydrates and smooths your skin. 

Tip #3: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. 

Did you know that drinking eight ounces of water daily not only promotes hydration but also does wonders for your skin? Water acts as the ultimate cleanser, flushing out toxins in the body and rejuvenating your skin, supplying much-needed hydration and promoting elasticity. When your body is hydrated, your skin is better equipped to combat signs of aging and scarring. 

Tip #4: Apply sunscreen year-round. 

The sun’s UV rays are dangerous to unprotected skin year-round. One in five Americans is predicted to develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and experiencing more than five sunburns doubles your risk of developing melanoma. 

Sun protection is a big deal; thankfully, the measures taken to guard your skin are non-invasive. No matter the time of the year, make sure to apply sunscreen daily to keep the harmful effects of UV radiation at bay. It is recommended to use 30 SPF when choosing a year-round sunscreen. 

Tip #5: Perform your own skin check-up.

Just like a doctor’s check-up, your skin also needs routine exams to ensure everything is okay! These at-home check-ups are simply observing your skin to identify any new, unusual or growing spots that could cause concern. It is also important to identify when your skin is flaring and what the potential causes could be. 

Environmental factors, as well as certain foods, can cause your skin to break out, so make sure to be aware of your surroundings and what you have eaten when this happens. After your self-performed check-up, visit a board-certified dermatologist if any irregularities cause concern. Even if your skin appears healthy, it can be very beneficial to schedule routine appointments with your board-certified dermatologist to stay on top of your skin’s health. 

Tip #6: Invest in a skincare routine.

You may have seen the widespread movement of skincare routines on social media, and it truly lives up to the hype. Skincare routines customized to your specific needs can give your skin many benefits. To determine what type of moisturizers, oils and cleansers you need to formulate the best skincare routine for your skin, visit your board-certified dermatologist to get an expert rundown on what your skin needs and what products are associated with aiding in those needs. 

Your skin is our priority. It should be yours too.

Here at Charleston Dermatology, Healthy Skin Awareness Month is every month. Our team of board-certified dermatologists is here to help you achieve your healthiest skin and will support and guide you in every step of the process. Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists today to kickstart your journey towards happy and healthy skin!