Why Skin Care is More Than Cosmetic

There have never been more skin care products and treatments available (both surgical and non-surgical) to manage the signs of aging and improve damaged or less than perfect skin. However, skin care involves more than just what you see and feel on the surface. From protecting yourself from sun damage to nourishing your skin from the inside out, good skin care is about your health as well as your appearance.

At Rick J. Smith, MD, our team offers a range of cosmetic and skin care treatments at our office in East Lansing, Michigan.

The importance of good skin care

Along with helping you to look and feel your best, another important factor of a good skin care routine is protection from overexposure to the sun and skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States.

Melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer, has a 99% survival rate when diagnosed and treated early. In addition to protecting your skin from premature aging, taking precautions when you’re out in the sun is the most important factor in skin cancer prevention. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged exposure during the hottest points in the day (from about 11 AM to 3 PM) will lower your risk of harmful sun exposure.

Healthy skin inside out

As the body’s largest organ, the skin is more than just cosmetic — it literally protects your body from exposure to the elements. The health and quality of your skin are directly related to what goes into your body, from what we eat and drink to stress, health problems, and lifestyle factors like smoking. Even dehydration can lead to dry, older-looking skin.

Some of the most common health-related skin conditions include:

• Acne
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Hives
• Dermatitis

What makes a good skin care routine?

Your skin is as unique as your personality, so to look and feel your best and to keep your skin healthy, you need a skin care regimen that addresses your specific needs, from cleansing to sun protection and anti-aging treatments. 

Your skin care should also adapt as your skin’s needs change. As you age, your skin produces less and less collagen and elastin, which leads to the common signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. 

Someone with oily skin in their youth may suddenly start to develop dry patches. Other adults experience outbreaks of acne after years of living with clear skin. The risk of skin cancer also increases with age.

The best way to protect your skin’s health and your appearance is to take your skin care seriously and to see our team on a regular basis for routine skin cancer screenings and recommendations for the right skin care treatment for your skin type and goals.

We can help you find the skin care routine that works best for your needs. For more information, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in East Lansing, Michigan. You can also request an appointment online.