Your skin is your largest and, in many ways, most delicate organ. By taking good care of it, you’re helping your overall health.
Healthy skin care habits can help prevent skin cancer, for example, which is the most common type of cancer in the United States.
At the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Dr. Hendi and our team of skin cancer experts provide skin cancer surveillance, diagnostics, and treatment using innovative techniques.
In this blog, Dr. Hendi shares several healthy habits that can help you keep your skin in tip-top shape.
Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Over time, sun exposure can add up, leading to age spots, wrinkles, and an increased risk for skin cancer.
To protect your skin from UV rays, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. And, if you sweat quite a bit or take a dip in water, reapply your sunscreen.
While you’re at it, avoid sun during the hottest, midday hours, and seek shade when you can.
Wearing sun-protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds can also help.
Smoking can expedite the aging process of your skin and raise your risk for squamous cell carcinoma, especially on your lips.
If you’re struggling to quit smoking on your own, don’t hesitate to seek support. Getting help from a doctor or program could increase your chances of success.
Eating a nutritious, balanced diet can help keep your skin as healthy as possible, too. There are a number of nutrients that have antioxidant properties that can help prevent skin cancer. They include the following:
These nutrients are found in rich supply in various whole foods, such as colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, nuts, and oily fish, such as salmon.
Drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding processed foods, may also help protect your skin from early signs of aging.
Many signs of skin cancer can be difficult to spot, especially if they show up in difficult-to-see places. In addition to doing your own skin cancer checks, consider routine skin cancer screenings, especially if you have risk factors for skin cancer, such as having a lot of moles, light hair and eyes, or a history of sunburns.
Even melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, is usually quite treatable if it’s detected early. So seeing a dermatologist regularly for skin exams can be a powerful preventive step.
To learn more about skin care or to get treatment, call 301-812-4591 or book an appointment online with the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, today.
