Test Your Knowledge

In addition to bathing and using the proper soaps and moisturizers, there are a number of lifestyle choices a person can make to improve the health and appearance of their skin.

Performing skin self-examinations regularly can help to monitor the skin for any unusual changes. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a self-examination should be performed once a month. All areas of the skin should be examined, including the face, buttocks, scalp, back, genitals and the bottom of the feet.

A skin self-examination includes:

• Examining the whole body in a well–lit room in front of a full-length mirror.
  
  
• Looking for new skin markings (e.g., blemishes, colorations, bumps, moles).
  
  
• Looking for moles that have changed in size (i.e., growing rapidly), texture, color and/or shape.
  
  
• Looking for moles that have ragged edges or lack symmetry.
  
  
• Looking for lesions that will not heal or that bleed.

Moles that itch, and any scaly or crusty growths, are also a cause for concern. Patients that find any of these markings or changes should immediately consult a dermatologist. 

Patients may benefit from choosing a specific day (e.g., the first of the month, the day they pay bills) to perform their self-exam. Individuals can ask a friend or family member to check their scalp and other hard-to-view areas. If necessary, a blowdryer can also be used to move the hair, making it easier to inspect the scalp.

Other lifestyle tips for healthier skin include:

• Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains will provide the body with the protein, vitamins and minerals it needs for optimum skin health. People should also maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water (approximately eight 8-ounce glasses daily).
  
  
• Consume omega-3s (essential fatty acids). Omega-3s help to keep the skin soft and supple. The body does not produce omega-3s. As a result, people need to obtain the fatty acids through their diet or through supplements. Sources of omega-3s include salmon and salmon oil, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, walnuts, soybean oil and canola oil. Some dark green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale and broccoli, contain omega-3s, but to a much lesser extent.
  
  
• Regular exercise. Physical activity improves blood circulation. As a result, exercising for approximately 30 minutes on most days of the week can improve the color and tone of the skin.
  
  
• Get plenty of sleep. People who do not sleep enough may develop a puffy, dull or sickly complexion.
  
  
• Avoid smoking. Smoking can cause premature aging of the facial skin.
  
  
• Protect the skin from the sun. In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer, unprotected exposure to the sun can cause the skin to sunburn, become blotchy, leathery and wrinkled. Regardless of whether a person has a light or dark skin color, people should use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure.

It is also important for people to wash their hands frequently. Contact with different surfaces throughout the day allows bacteria and viruses to accumulate on the hands. These microbes can easily be spread from the hands to the eyes, mouth and nose, where they can gain entrance into the body. Hand washing is a simple way to prevent the spread of many illnesses, including colds, influenza and gastrointestinal disorders.

Warm water and mild soap should be used to lather both the front and back of the hands, as well as the wrists, the areas between the fingers and under the nails. The hands should be lathered up for about 10 to 15 seconds. The skin should then be thoroughly rinsed, to remove all traces of the soap, and dried with a clean towel.

People should wash their hands several times a day, especially:

• Before eating
• Before and after preparing food
• After using the bathroom
• After changing a diaper
• After coughing, blowing the nose or sneezing
• After touching an animal or animal waste
• After spending time outside (e.g., playing, gardening)
• After visiting a person who is sick
• Before and after treating cuts and other wounds
• After handling garbage
• Before touching the eyes to insert or remove contact lenses

People can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean their hands when soap and water is not available.