Schedule an annual full-body skin exam with a board-certified dermatologist to survey for skin cancers, as they can develop anywhere, including sun-protected areas, and early detection is crucial.
Obtain a prescription-strength retinoid (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) from a dermatologist, as these effectively increase skin turnover, reduce skin cancer risk, and promote collagen and elastin growth for healthier, more youthful skin. Over-the-counter retinols are generally ineffective.
Refrain from all nicotine use, including smoking, vaping, and oral products, because it causes chronic vasoconstriction, leading to accelerated skin aging, poor wound healing, and a net negative impact on skin health.
Consume a high-protein, complete protein, anti-inflammatory diet, prioritizing animal-sourced proteins, fruits, and vegetables, to improve overall skin health and reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Expose yourself to some sunlight for overall wellness and mood benefits, but always avoid burning or prolonged exposure that causes skin redness, as excessive UV can lead to premature aging and skin damage.
Utilize physical barriers such as shade, protective clothing (long sleeves, pants), and hats as they are consistently shown to be more effective than topical sunscreens for comprehensive UV protection.
Select mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide (SPF 30+, broad-spectrum) over chemical sunscreens, due to concerns about chemical absorption into the bloodstream and potential endocrine disruption.
Reduce or avoid alcohol intake, especially higher concentrations, as it acts as a mild diuretic, causing skin dehydration and hollowing, and can disrupt the gut microbiome, negatively impacting skin health.
Cleanse your skin with mild, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic products (e.g., Dove white bar soap, Cetaphil), and avoid over-cleansing, which strips natural oils and eradicates the beneficial skin microbiome.
Refrain from picking or popping pimples, as this physical trauma recruits matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) that break down collagen and elastin, leading to permanent acne scars.
Consider getting the Gardasil vaccine, which covers cancer-causing HPV strains, as HPV is increasingly linked to various cancers, including squamous cell carcinomas in sun-protected areas, and guidelines now extend to adults up to their late 40s.
Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer tailored to your skin type; use greasier ointments for dry or eczema-prone skin, and lighter lotions for acne-prone skin, to provide effective barrier protection and minimize water loss.
Shower and cleanse your skin based on its oiliness and your activity level; daily cleansing is not medically necessary for everyone, especially older individuals or those with dry skin, but always cleanse after sweating.
For dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) or psoriasis, use shampoos containing zinc or ketoconazole to reduce yeast overgrowth, or consult a dermatologist for topicals to dampen the immune response, without damaging hair.
Opt for simple, inexpensive skincare products, as more expensive options are not necessarily better and often contain additional ingredients, including fragrances, that can be problematic for skin.
Supplement with polypodium (50-480mg daily or an hour before sun exposure) to increase your skin’s tolerance to UV, reduce burn risk, and help block the effects of visible light, especially useful for sun-sensitive conditions or when topical sunscreen reapplication is difficult.
Avoid high glycemic index foods, sugary processed foods, and nonfat/skim dairy products, as these can increase insulin response and inflammation, exacerbating acne flares.
Identify and avoid personal triggers for rosacea flushing and redness, such as UV light, spicy foods, hot beverages, and emotional stress, and consult a dermatologist for persistent breakouts or redness.
For eczema, consistently moisturize with occlusive products (e.g., ointments) to repair the skin barrier, avoid environmental allergens and fragrances, and consult a dermatologist for topical or systemic treatments to calm the immune system.
Explore non-ablative fractionated laser resurfacing with a dermatologist, as it can improve skin appearance, reduce skin cancer risk by activating genes for youthful, healthy skin cells, and has less downtime than ablative lasers.
Consider using high-powered red light and near-infrared light panels to improve vascular flow, aid post-procedure recovery, support hair regrowth, and potentially offer pre-treatment protection against UV damage.
If getting tattoos, ensure the artist uses clean, sterile equipment and be aware that certain colors (e.g., reds with cinemates) can cause allergic reactions; regular skin checks by a dermatologist are crucial for tattooed skin due to challenges in mole surveillance.