November is National Healthy Skin Month! Try These 7 Tips for Healthy Skin

At some point in our lives, we have all dealt with skin issues. Fortunately, we can review the typical skin problems during National Healthy Skin Month, enabling us to better take care of our skin. 

Recognized as a month committed to emphasizing the importance of good skincare, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) dedicated every month of November as National Healthy Skin Month (NHSM).

It was first launched in November 1997, with the aim of encouraging Americans to raise awareness on treatment and prevention for common skin problems. Since then, the skin-focused celebration has become an annual event where dermatologists gather to setup events that: 

• Stress the significance of proper skincare.
• Share advice for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails.
• Encourage Americans to adopt healthy habits 

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

According to AAD, since NHSM is a celebration that involves every human being with a skin to love and nurture, either newborns or people more than 100 years old, "everybody needs a good skincare routine." Why not give your skin a proper self-scan or schedule a trip to your preferred dermatologist? After all, NHSM is everyone’s awareness month. 

WHAT'S THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY SKIN? 

As the skin provides vital functions in keeping us protected from dangerous external elements, it only makes sense that we devote an entire month to promoting and maintaining the health of the largest organ in the body. It performs crucial tasks like: 

• Prevents loss of moisture 
• Reduces harmful effects of UV radiation 
• Acts as a sensory organ (touch, detects temperature)
• Helps regulate temperature
• Shields the body from dangerous substances
• Keeps crucial nutrients in the body
• Provides a protective barrier against mechanical, thermal and physical injury and hazardous substances

If you see any suspicious spots or if your skin problems have persisted or gotten worse, it's time to seek help from your dermatologist. By going to a dermatologist, you can be sure that you're getting the necessary care from a doctor who specializes in skin problems.

Cottonique advises you to pay attention to your skin because even the best skincare regimen can't stop all skin problems from developing. To achieve #YourHealthiestSkin from head to toe, try these 7 vital suggestions.

1. EXAMINE & DETERMINE YOUR SKIN TYPE 

Taking care of your skin starts with examining your skin. AAD suggests examining your skin regularly for new or unusual spots, as well as anything changing, itching, or bleeding. A dermatologist will examine your skin from head to toe just the same, noting areas that need to be monitored or treated further.

After you have examined your skin, the first step to establishing your skincare routine lies with determining your skin type. Skin types are typically divided into four categories: normal, oily, dry, and sensitive. Combination is the name given to a fifth type with various skin tones on the cheeks and T-zone.

Regardless of your skin type, you can still have great skin if you follow an effective skincare routine, use high-quality skincare products, and modify your lifestyle habits to suit your skin type.

2. GIVE YOURSELF A GENTLE WASH

Even though it might seem like the most relaxing option to spend some time in a steaming shower, it's not always the best choice for your skin. Healthline advises taking a lukewarm shower and using gentle skincare products that are suitable for your skin type. 

Also, wash your face every day with a gentle cleanser. According to AAD, gentle cleansing helps skin look its best. Wet your face with lukewarm water to thoroughly clean it. Next, apply a gentle cleanser using your fingertips to spread it around gently. Finish by thoroughly rinsing off the cleanser before using a clean towel to gently pat your face dry.

3. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY DIET & STAY HYDRATED 

According to WebMD, healthful foods appear to reduce inflammation and decrease the likelihood of breakouts. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are good for the skin as they bring: Zinc, Selenium, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Vitamins A, E, and C.

For a healthy body and mind, consume a well-balanced diet and avoid processed foods. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day to flush out  toxins, reduce puffiness, and make wrinkles less visible. Above all, limit your alcohol consumption.

4. EXERCISE AND MEDITATE

There's still more motivation to get you moving. The benefits of exercise goes far beyond the heart, lungs, and minds—it also contributes to a healthy skin! Exercise keeps you glowing by regulating blood flow and flushing toxins from the body. Apart from strenuous physical activities, meditation also helps you stay relaxed and rejuvenated throughout the day.

Meditating, exercising, scheduling a yoga routine at home, and taking time off are some of the great ways to chill out and decrease stress. Remember, a healthy mind is the key to healthy skin. 

5. DO YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINES

Applying moisturizer is probably a good idea if you frequently experience eczema flare-ups or other skin sensitivities. Dry skin can cause a lot of problems, including oiliness, cracking, peeling, and early aging, so every time you wash your face, apply moisturizer to prevent those from happening. Aside from moisturizers, AAD suggests: 

• Use an antiperspirant, rather than a deodorant, to reduce sweating. 
• Use petroleum to hydrate dry skin and nails and treat minor wounds.  
• Apply lotion or cream to damp skin after a bath to lock in moisture and achieve the best results.
• Protect your skin from the sun by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 

6. PARTICIPATE IN STRESS-REDUCTION ACTIVITIES

Developing a healthy stress management strategy can also benefit your skin. According to AAD, some skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema often appear for the first time when someone feels really stressed. “Acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are just a few of the skin conditions that can flare up when under stress,” they said in an article. 

When it comes to causing a variety of skin problems, including acne breakouts and skin conditions, stress is the most cunning factor. With the way we live today, it is impossible to completely avoid stress, but there are many ways to change your habits and reduce stress.

• Get enough sleep between 7-9 hours a day. 
• Avoid unhealthy habits 
• Laugh more
• Get a massage
• Connect with others
• Keep a journal
• Express your creative self

7. WEAR COMFY AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING 

Cotton feels most comfortable next to the skin when choosing clothing for comfort. Wearing organic cotton clothing has benefits as a natural material because it regulates moisture, provides good insulation, comfort, is durable, weatherproof, and is completely hypoallergenic.

If you are sensitive to chemicals or have skin allergies, wearing 100% organic cotton will undoubtedly be a memorable experience. As with other skin conditions, comfort is critical for people with eczema, so make sure that those who experience its symptoms are wearing clothes made with the highest cotton content possible. Good thing, we have put the purity of our clothing as our highest priority. 

Our allergy-free organic cotton collections, made without synthetic fibers and other harmful chemicals, promise allergy-free comfort with every wear. From tops and bottoms to accessories and masks, each piece is made through safe processes, preventing skin irritations and flare-ups.

TAKEAWAY: Even though the suggestions we provided above are straightforward, there are many other ways to care for your skin and elevate its level of health and beauty, including visiting a spa or having a dermatologist examine it frequently.

However, at Cottonique, we think that the most beneficial actions are the ones that are the simplest, like paying attention to the clothing you wear next to your skin.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website. 

Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.