Each November, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) designates National Healthy Skin Month®as a time to focus on your skin’s health, learn proper skincare habits, and develop routines that promote healthy skin, hair, and nails for the long term. First introduced in 1997, National Healthy Skin Month has raised awareness about the importance of good skin care practices for people of all ages. This November, let's take a closer look at some expert tips and essential products that can help you achieve radiant, healthy skin.
Cleaning and Moisturizing Your Skin
The foundation of any skincare routine is gentle, thorough cleansing. This essential step removes dirt, oil, and environmental pollutants that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Choosing a sulfate-free cleanser will help preserve your skin’s natural oils, keeping it healthy and balanced. For a deep yet gentle cleanse, bareMinerals Skinsorials Pure Plush Gentle Deep Cleansing Foam is an excellent choice, offering a rich foam that leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed without stripping away moisture.
After cleansing, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. Whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination, moisturizing helps to maintain the skin's barrier, locking in hydration and preventing overproduction of oil. To maximize the benefits, apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp from cleansing. A great daily option is Ahava Mineral Radiance Day Cream, which uses Dead Sea minerals to deliver lightweight hydration and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Protecting Your Skin From the Sun
Sun protection is one of the most crucial steps in maintaining healthy skin. Even as we move into fall and winter, harmful UV rays can still cause damage, including premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. Using a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 before any sun exposure, regardless of the season, is a simple yet vital step in any skincare routine. Don’t forget that sun exposure can affect not just your face but your hands, neck, and other exposed areas.
There has been a growing debate on social media about whether to use sunscreen, with some influencers promoting an anti-sunscreen narrative. According to Board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, "I've noticed a significant rise in anti-sunscreen sentiment online, and it's quite concerning. Many individuals are posting claims that sunscreen is harmful or contains cancer-causing ingredients."
However, these claims are not supported by scientific evidence. The FDA, which oversees sunscreen regulations, maintains that "sunscreen use offers recognized public health benefits" and encourages continued use alongside other protective measures, like wearing hats and finding shade when possible.
For daily protection, try Ahava Protecting Moisturizer SPF 50, a comfortable and lightweight broad-spectrum moisturizer.
Caring For Your Scalp, Nails, and Body
Healthy skin isn’t limited to just your face—your scalp and hair deserve attention, too. Your scalp is made of skin that requires cleansing, hydrating, and nourishing to stay healthy. Using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner like Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo and Conditioner will cleanse and invigorate your scalp with a refreshing, tingling sensation, while balancing hydration to leave your hair soft and revitalized.
Taking care of your nails is another often overlooked part of a comprehensive skincare routine. Keep your nails clean, moisturized, and trimmed to promote overall nail health and prevent breakage. Regularly applying a hand cream and cuticle oil can make a significant difference, especially during the colder months when skin tends to dry out more easily.
Exfoliation is another key aspect of skin health, helping to slough away dead skin cells and reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. However, over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and damage, so it’s important to use gentle exfoliants and limit this step to once or twice a week, depending on your skin type.
Building Healthy Habits
National Healthy Skin Month is the perfect time to reassess your skincare habits and make improvements that can lead to healthier skin, hair, and nails all year round. By adopting a few dermatologist-approved tips and incorporating products from trusted brands like Ahava, bareMinerals, Color Wow, GHD, and Olaplex, you can set yourself up for a lifetime of radiant skin. Whether you're focusing on hydration, sun protection, or scalp care, your skin will thank you for the extra attention.
