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Things Are Tough All Over: How to Maintain Healthy Skin

November 05, 2021

Our skin is one of the most complicated and versatile organs in the human body. Making up approximately 16 percent of our overall body mass, the skin is our largest organ. It is our body’s first line of defense and protects us from harmful chemicals, damaging sunlight and extreme temperatures. We rely on it to keep our brain in touch with the outside world through its intricate network of nerves. It even helps with immune defense and vitamin production.

“Maintaining healthy skin is important not only for your appearance, but also for your overall health,” explains Emily Shaughnessy, MD, a dermatologist with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in Farmington and Avon. “Skin plays an essential role in regulating our body temperature by dilating blood vessels and sweating.”

November is National Healthy Skin Month. Here are some simple things you can be doing to maintain healthy skin.

Use sunscreen daily

Daily use of a broad spectrum SPF 30 on the face, neck and hands can help prevent premature aging and skin cancers. About 1/4 – 1/3 of a teaspoon (or a nickel sized dollop) is how much sunscreen is needed to cover your face adequately and protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

Be sure to use it whenever you’re going to be outside (even on cloudy days), cover all skin that’s not protected by clothing, and reapply every couple of hours if you plan to be outside all day.

Avoid tanning beds

The ultraviolet radiation used in these beds pose serious health risks. This could lead to prematurely aged skin, allergic reactions (causing rashes), and skin cancer.

“When your skin tans, it is a sign of sun damage,” warns Dr. Shaughnessy. “When tanning, your skin is being damaged on a cellular level. That microscopic damage is what can ultimately lead to premature aging and skin cancers.”

Simplify your skin care routine

Using too many products can irritate your skin, making the signs of aging more noticeable.

Most people don’t need more than a gentle cleanser, sunscreen and moisturizer.

The order in which you apply these products will affect how well they work. The proper order is:

  • Wash your face using a gentle cleanser
  • Apply any medication or treatment
  • Apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen

Use skin care products formulated for your skin type

There are 5 types of healthy skin:

  • Sensitive: products may sting or burn skin after use
  • Normal: clear and not sensitive
  • Dry: flaky, itchy or rough
  • Oily: shiny & greasy
  • Combination: dry in some areas; oily in others

It’s important to read the product labels to ensure you’re using the correct kind for your skin type.

“Our skin type can change overtime,” says Dr. Shaughnessy. “Younger people tend to have more normal to oily skin types. As we age, we’re more likely to be dry. This means that your skin care routine will likely need to change over time to adapt to your changing skin needs.”

Examine your skin regularly for skin cancer

You should be looking for:

  • Any change, particularly the size or color of a spot, mole or growth
  • Sores that never heal (such as a lingering pimple)
  • Oozing, bleeding or scaliness
  • Color that spreads beyond the border of a growth
  • Tenderness, itching, pain or other new sensations

If you discover anything suspicious, or have any concerns about your skin, hair or nails, visit a board-certified dermatologist.

Dr. Emily Shaughnessy is currently accepting new patients at her Farmington and Avon offices. To schedule an appointment, call 860.676.7000.