Cultivating Healthier Skin for National Healthy Skin Month

November is National Healthy Skin Month, making it a great time to learn about skin health and elevate your already spectacular skincare routine. Not only is your skin your body’s largest organ, but your skin also reveals a lot about your overall health and works hard over the course of a lifetime.

Here are some of the most effective ways anyone can navigate today’s most dangerous challenges to skin health and cultivate healthier skin today. 

Skin Cancer Prevention 

Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the world. What’s more, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma skin cancer (the world’s deadliest cancer) deaths are projected to increase by 68% by 2040, reaching approximately 96,000 deaths worldwide. 

Research also shows that about 80% of global melanoma cases are associated with Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure (UVR), which comes from spending too much time in the sun without sunscreen on, too much time in tanning beds and under various sun lamps and industrial lamps. 

How to proactively protect your precious skin against skin cancer: 

• Always apply SPF sunscreen before leaving the house

• Check your own skin regularly for irregularities 

• See your dermatologist and your doctor in person regularly 

• Avoid indoor tanning beds

• Wear UPF protective clothing, sunglasses and hats 

• Know your family’s history of skin cancer

Healthy Foods for Healthy Skin

You are what you eat. Literally. Here are some powerfully healthy and delicious foods that can significantly help boost your skin health from within.

Anti-Aging Foods

• Avocados

• Dark Chocolate

• Blueberries

• Watermelon

• Olive Oil

• Sweet Potatoes

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• Garlic

• Onions

• Mushrooms

• Turmeric

• Cherries

• Tomatoes

Foods for Clear Skin

• Carrots

• Pumpkin

• Broccoli

• Oranges

• Cranberries

• Spinach

Skincare for Mental Health

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious? It’s OK to not be OK. There’s an intricate connection between the human mind and the skin. Skin isn’t just a superficial layer, it’s the largest organ in the human body with complex neuroimmune functions.

Stress hormones like cortisol can negatively impact the skin by weakening its barrier, increasing inflammation, and disrupting oil production, which can worsen conditions like acne or eczema. Taking steps to manage mental health and reduce stress can have a positive effect on your skin, leading to a brighter, healthier complexion over time.

When life gets heavy, stick to the skincare basics: 

• Hydrate

• Rest

• Cleanse

• Tone

• Moisturize 

• Repeat

Conclusion

Let’s treat every month like it’s National Healthy Skin Month by following the simple steps outlined in this blog to cultivate healthier skin starting today.

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