Skin care tips dermatologists use

1. Wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. When used correctly, sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging such as wrinkles and age spots. For best protection, apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all skin uncovered by clothing, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. To save time in your skincare routine, consider using a moisturizer with sun protection. However, while cosmetics containing sunscreen are convenient, remember to reapply them for optimal sun protection. Remember that since no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UV rays, it is also important to seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing when outdoors, including a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for UV protection, if possible if. For more effective sun protection, choose clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) label.

2. Stay away from sunbeds. Just like the sun, tanning beds emit harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to skin cancer. In fact, even one session of indoor tanning can increase your risk of melanoma by 20 percent, squamous cell carcinoma by 67 percent and basal cell carcinoma by 29 percent. If you want that golden glow, switch to a self-tanning product. When applied correctly, faux tanners look natural and won’t leave you with orange skin, streaks, or spots.

3. Simplify your skincare routine. When it comes to skincare, less is more. Using too many products, especially multiple antiaging products, can irritate the skin. Instead, focus on the basics, like a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer. Establish a morning and evening skincare routine that works for your skin and stick to it.

4. Choose skin care products that are right for your skin type. Knowing your skin type will help you understand how to take care of your skin and choose the right skin care products for you. As mentioned above, here’s how to identify and understand your skin type:
   

   Sensitive Skin: Product may sting or burn after use

5. normal skin: Clear and insensitive
   

6. dry skin: Flaky, itchy, or rough
   

7. Combination skin: Dry in some places, oily in others
   

8. Oily: greasy

9. Treat your lips. Because skin cancer can form on your lips, apply lip balm or lipstick with SPF 30 or higher before going outside. If your lips feel chapped or dry, apply petroleum jelly for added moisture.

10. Keep your hands off your face. Every time you touch your face, dirt, germs and oils from your hands are transferred to your face. Do your best to leave your skin undisturbed throughout the day. Avoid picking, popping or squeezing pimples as this can lead to scarring.

11. Check your skin regularly. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime. Additionally, nearly 20 Americans die every day from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, skin cancers, including melanoma, are highly treatable if caught early. In fact, people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it has spread to the lymph nodes have a 98 percent five-year survival rate. It’s important to check your skin regularly for new spots, spots that are different from other spots on your body, or moles that are itchy, bleeding, or discolored, as these are often early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any suspicious spots, make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.