The skin is the body’s largest organ and accounts for roughly 18% of an adult’s weight. It serves as a protective outer layer that keeps in moisture and keeps out invasive organism (like infections). It protects our organs against injury. It also helps regulate the body’s temperature and has self-healing capabilities.
The best way to maintain healthy skin is to prevent skin damage from occurring in the first place. Wrinkles, age spots and leathery patches are all the result of skin damage from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.. As we age, skin becomes dryer and thinner. Repeated movements of facial muscles, such as frowning, smiling or squinting, cause wrinkles over time. Stress, gravity and obesity also contribute to aging skin.
When trying to keep your skin healthy, vibrant and cancer-free, keep these helpful tips in mind.
Skin Self-Exam
A skin self-exam, done once a month in front of a full-length mirror, is a simple way to catch skin cancer early. Check the whole body, including the back, scalp, palms, and soles, and use the ABCDE guide to spot moles that change in shape, color, or size.
Sun Protection
Sun protection means using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, which guards against both UVA and UVB rays. Labels should list ingredients like zinc oxide or avobenzone. Most people apply too little, so reapply every two hours and add hats and shade.
Sunburn
Sunburn happens when unprotected skin takes in more UV radiation than its pigment can defend against. People with darker skin can burn too. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen helps prevent it even on cloudy days, and repeated burns raise the long-term risk of skin cancer.
