The best way to keep skin healthy is to avoid sun exposure beginning early in life. Here are some other tips:
- Do not sunbathe or visit tanning parlors and try to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- If you are in the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. always wear protective clothing--such as a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and sunglasses.
- Put on sunscreen lotion before going out in the sun to help protect your skin from UV light. Remember to reapply the lotion as needed. Always use products that are SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher.
- Check your skin often for signs of skin cancer. If there are changes that worry you, call the doctor right away. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that older, fair-skinned people have a yearly skin check by a doctor as part of a regular physical check-up.
- Relieve dry skin problems by using a humidifier at home, bathing with soap less often, and using a moisturizing lotion. If this doesn’t work, see your doctor.
- Examine your body, front and back, in the mirror, then the right and left sides with arms raised.
- Examine back of neck and scalp with the help of a hand mirror--part hair or use blow dryer to lift hair and give you a close look.
- Check back and buttocks with hand mirror.
- Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms, and palms.
- Look at backs of the legs and feet, including the soles and spaces between toes.
