November is National Healthy Skin Month

National Healthy Skin Month started in November 1997 wherein good skin care is highlighted, tips for healthier skin, hair, and nails are shared, and a gentle nudge to all Americans to pay attention and adopt healthy skin care habits. It exists as everyone’s awareness month as it impacts everybody. Skin cancer has inspired National Healthy Skin Month. Skin cancer is the most common cancer affecting almost 20% of the American population. The most common types are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) while the majority of skin cancer-related deaths are due to melanoma. This month, we are sending out a message to apply sunscreen daily to fight skin cancer. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays can do irreparable damage to the skin. Yet, even in the winter months, it is still recommended to use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily which also protects from skin aging.

Our skin reveals a lot about overall health as it is also the largest organ in our bodies. It protects against trauma, regulates body temperature, keeps crucial nutrients in the body, and prevents dangerous substances from entering. Even with the proclaimed best skin care routines, skin issues can still arise. If some prolonged issues or issues are worsening, seek help. Seeing a board-certified dermatologist ensures you are getting help from a health provider specializing in skin conditions to help you get or direct you to the treatment you need.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• 1 in 5 Americans will likely develop skin cancer by 70 years old
• More than 2 people in the U.S. die of skin cancer every hour
• Having more than 5 sunburns doubles the risk of developing melanoma
• Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are the two most common types
• Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, but also highly treatable if detected early

Board-certified dermatologists have been alarmed by increasing social media skincare trends and identified unsafe practices. These primarily include:

1. Performing cosmetic treatments at home

• While possible, there is a very high risk of infection, and improper techniques cause more problems. Even if the immediate effects look good on social media, filters may have been used to fake looking good. We can never tell if someone ended up in the ER or had a bad reaction afterward which is frequently not filmed. Many complications are possible with simple filler injections or laser hair removal.
• There is training and expertise needed to perform and choose procedures right for you, your skin type, and your health. Always remember that not everything that glitters is gold as there is always a dark side to the big beauty industry.

2. Nasal tanning spray

• Using self-tanning spray on skin is deemed safe however, nasal tanning spray is not. For nasal tanning spray to work, you will have to inhale it first and then expose yourself to the sun. This sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer, and premature skin aging with wrinkles and age spots. Specifically, Melatonan is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and it is illegal to sell them in many countries including the USA. Side effects of Melatonan may include developing new moles and freckles or existing moles to change color or darken which is never a good sign for skin health.
• Looking tan can be achieved with a self-tanner but using nasal tanning spray that is not regulated and illegal makes it very risky to get that tan on.

3. Hot peppers for fuller lips

• Use of hot peppers like habanero can be potentially very dangerous as it may immediately cause allergic contact dermatitis or rashes that can leave dark spots around and in the lips that may become permanent.
• See a doctor who is trained and certified to make fuller lips with FDA-approved fillers safely with a low risk for complications and a more natural look.

4. Taking over-the-counter supplements

• People take supplements they see trending or advertised on a whim, they start and stop without consulting a doctor which can wreak havoc on how our body functions.
• Not all supplements will be able to treat skin, hair, or nail issues. Some have even been linked to birth defects, an increase in cancer risk, and other side effects like acne and hair loss.

5. Skipping sunscreen

• Claims are circulating without scientific evidence about sunscreen's harmful effects resulting in developing cancer.
• The US FDA regulating sunscreen recommends continued use of sunscreen and other sun protective measures which have always been backed by science. Sunscreen ingredients available in the US don’t show harmful effects on human health. It is recommended to seek shade from the sun, wear protective clothing, and use a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for all sun-exposed skin. It is proven that the sun’s harmful rays cause most skin cancers and with enough scientific evidence, sunscreen offers help in preventing them.

Board-certified dermatologists and appropriate healthcare providers are knowledgeable about safe and effective skincare. Unregulated trending skin care can take a toll on your skin which can also have a direct effect on your self-esteem. Most social media influencers may have “some” knowledge of skin care but board-certified dermatologists offer their years of expertise based on experience with proven and tested scientific facts.

We encourage everyone to observe National Healthy Skin Month by adopting healthy habits for your skin:

1. Take time to chill and manage stress efficiently
2. Hydrate adequately
3. Perform regular skin checks for spots and blemishes which can indicate several things with regard to overall health

National Healthy Skin Month is indeed for everyone so don’t be shy about spreading awareness and sharing tips for healthy skin. Small changes can lead to big results and you could help someone have healthier skin, hair, and nails starting today. Whereas many skin care trends come and go, clear skin from healthy skin care habits will always be in.

Author

Jenna Wishnew Dr Wishnew is a Board Certified General Surgeon practicing in the North Texas area She specializes in general surgery, gastroparesis, wound care, vein concerns and robotic surgery.