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American Skin Association Highlights Lifelong Skin Health in November

This November, the American Skin Association (ASA) is shining a spotlight on the significance of lifelong skin care as it celebrates National Healthy Skin Month. This nonprofit organization has made significant strides in promoting skin health through education and research.

The ASA’s Education Council has introduced The Seven Principles for a Life Course of Healthy Skin, a set of essential recommendations that serve as practical, evidence-based guidelines designed to help individuals of all ages maintain optimal skin health and overall wellness. These recommendations emerged from surveys conducted with over 800 healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, family physicians, and dermatologists. Insights captured from these conversations informed the foundation of these essential practices.

The Seven Principles for a Life Course of Healthy Skin

1. Minimize Exposure to UV Light: It is crucial to limit outdoor activities during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds is also recommended.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular hydration, sufficient sleep, and exercise should be integrated into daily life. Additionally, refraining from smoking is essential for maintaining skin health.

3. Visit Your Dermatologist Annually: Regular visits to a dermatologist can help individuals monitor their skin health. These professional check-ups are vital in detecting potential issues early.

4. Conduct Daily Skin Checks: Individuals are encouraged to examine their skin at least once a day and report any concerning changes to their healthcare provider promptly.

5. Hydrate Your Skin Daily: Keeping the skin hydrated, especially post-bathing or showering, helps maintain its elasticity and overall health.

6. Practice Good Hygiene: Regular attention to skin, hair, and nails is important. This includes maintaining cleanliness to avoid irritation and infections.

7. Attend to Wounds Promptly: It's crucial to care for wounds quickly to prevent infections and scarring, as well as to avoid the temptation to pick at blemishes, which can cause damage.

Howard P. Milstein, Chair of ASA, reflects, "November serves as a reminder that taking care of our skin is not merely an aesthetic endeavor; it’s fundamentally tied to our health and wellness. By adhering to these seven principles, we empower individuals at all ages to appreciate and protect the body's largest organ."

The ASA is dedicated to uniting families, healthcare professionals, patients, and researchers in the battle against a range of skin conditions like melanoma and various skin cancers. In particular, ASA emphasizes the importance of education, collaborating with programs like the Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS) initiative. This acclaimed program teaches students from preschool through high school about skin cancer prevention and early detection. Medical students across the nation participate in this initiative, sharing vital sun safety knowledge with younger generations to help foster lifelong healthy habits.

Dr. James G. Krueger, President of ASA, notes, "Our partnership with SPOTS emphasizes how crucial education is to promoting lifelong skin health. The SPOTS initiative prepares young students with habits that ensure their skin’s protection for years to come."

For those looking to further their understanding of the SPOTS program, more details can be found at spotseducation.org.

About American Skin Association

With nearly four decades of dedication, the American Skin Association is a unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates, physicians, and scientists working towards combating skin diseases including melanoma, vitiligo, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. With a mission to advance research, champion skin health particularly among children, and heighten public awareness about skin conditions, the organization serves over 100 million Americans affected by various skin disorders. ASA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has received Candid's Platinum Transparency Seal and a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. For additional information, visit americanskin.org.