The American Academy of Dermatology celebrates November as National Healthy Skin Month. And, really, as a pediatric dermatologist, I would love every month to be healthy skin month!
What defines healthy skin? My expert opinion (which I can say about skin knowledge, as opposed to the opinions I have on everything else in my life, like the best way to fold a fitted sheet) is that HEALTHY SKIN is skin that is free of skin cancers, has any skin disease under control, and is skin that works to keep your insides safe while you explore the wide and wonderful outside world!
How to help your kids and teens have healthy skin?
Tip 1. Keep their skin free of cancers by seeking shade when sunny, wearing hats and weather appropriate sun protective clothing – like long sleeve shirts and UV swim shirts – AND use sunscreen for exposed areas of skin. Don’t forget those cheeks on sunny winter days, the snow reflects the sun like water and you can get sunburned even on a winter’s day! Why is this so important for kids? The sun damage that we get before the age of 20 years most predicts our risk of skin cancer when we are “old”.
Tip 2. Keep the basics simple. Bathe or shower to keep clean, no more than once per day. Use mild, fragrance free soaps when needed. These two steps leave the body’s microbiome balanced and the natural oils that keep our skin barrier working where they should be – on the skin. Moisturize if you need to – that varies by person, age, stage, weather and activities – if your skin feels tight, itchy or dry, or your skin is ashy, that’s a great time to moisturize!
Tip 3. Seek medical help with skin diseases. As a pediatric dermatologist, if your child has a skin problem, I want to help restore them to healthy, functioning skin, hair and nails as quickly as possible. If your child is experiencing eczema (atopic dermatitis), acne, psoriasis, molluscum, warts, alopecia or other skin problems – I am here to help. If you live in the Upper Midwest, I am likely licensed to practice medicine in your state (currently Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah) and happy to help your kid get back to healthy skin!
Happy National Healthy Skin Month! #nationalhealthyskinmonth
