Love the skin you’re in by protecting and maintaining it, especially as we approach the holiday season! The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) designated November as National Healthy Skin Month, a time to encourage people to learn about the skin and help keep it looking its best.

The skin is the body’s largest organ and accounts for 15% of your body weight. It renews itself about every 28 days by shedding dead cells. The skin is also a protective barrier that helps retain water in the body and keep harmful chemicals and pathogens out. Prioritizing your skin care will give you an active role in maintaining your skin’s health and identifying potential health problems. Proper skin care can help prevent many minor and severe skin disorders, including skin cancer. The most common skin problems in the United States are:

Acne is a skin disorder that causes blackheads, pimples or whiteheads due to hair follicles or pores becoming plugged with oil or dead skin cells.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes symptoms such as itchy, dry and red skin due to inflammation. It is common among children, but adults can also get eczema.

Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system and results in thick patches of red skin with silvery or white scales, typically found on the elbows, face, knees and scalp and can affect other areas of the body.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a type of skin disorder which causes scaly red patches and dandruff that develop on the scalp. It is distinct from the other types of dermatitis.

Skin Cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and often develops on skin exposed to the sun. However, it can also develop on areas of your skin that is not normally exposed to sunlight.

As we approach the holiday season, the cooler weather can dehydrate and dry your skin. However, you can keep your skin moisturized and hydrated not only during the cold months, but all year-round. Doing so is a good way to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Plus, it helps prevent skin damage from the elements and premature aging.

Be cautious about any skin care products, and check with your skin care professional to make sure you are using the right product for your needs. Adequate hydration is also essential for healthy skin. Drinking enough water daily helps prevent skin dryness and flakiness. Keep your skin moisturized with suitable lotion or cream for your skin, and wear sunscreen when necessary. The AAD recommends a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, has an SPF of 30 or higher and is water-resistant. If you are smoker, you may want to quit. Smoking is known to increase skin aging and result in lines around the mouth and eyes.

We all have different skin types and do not require the same skin care regimen. A board certified dermatologist can help customize a regimen for your skin type and skin care needs. Carmichael’s Cashway Retail Pharmacy in Crowley has a full-service pharmacy to fill medications prescribed by your dermatologist and offers a variety of brand name over-the-counter creams and ointments. Our compounding pharmacy, also located in Crowley, can compound creams and dermatological treatments. We offer shielding lotion for psoriasis at this location, too.