September is Skin Care Awareness Month — an opportunity to think about something we often take for granted: the health of our skin.
As the body’s largest organ, your skin does far more than influence how you look. It provides an important protective barrier between your body and the outside world, helps regulate temperature and plays an essential role in your overall wellbeing.
At Healthy Me Medical Centre in Durban, we encourage patients to think of skin care as healthcare. Whether you are managing acne, living with eczema, concerned about a changing mole or simply want to maintain healthier skin as you age, proactive care can make an important difference.
Healthy Skin Starts With Prevention
You do not need an elaborate skincare routine to look after your skin effectively. A few consistent habits can go a long way.
One of the most important is protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
South Africa experiences high levels of UV radiation, and sun protection should not be reserved for summer holidays or days at the beach. UV exposure can occur throughout the year, including on cloudy or cooler days.
Repeated exposure to UV radiation contributes to premature skin ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Make sun protection part of your everyday routine by:
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF, generally SPF 30 or higher for everyday protection.
- Applying sunscreen to exposed areas such as your face, ears, neck, arms and hands.
- Reapplying sunscreen approximately every two hours when outdoors and after swimming or heavy sweating.
- Wearing protective clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when spending extended periods outdoors.
- Seeking shade, particularly during periods of intense sunlight.
- Remembering that every skin tone requires protection from excessive UV exposure.
For people living in Durban, sun protection is particularly relevant because our warm, subtropical climate means outdoor activities are part of everyday life throughout much of the year.
Pay Attention to Changes in Your Skin
Your skin can change throughout your lifetime. Most changes are harmless, but some deserve professional assessment.
Get into the habit of becoming familiar with your skin.
Pay attention to new or changing moles, unusual growths, sores that do not heal, persistent itching, unexplained pigmentation or other changes that concern you.
You should not attempt to diagnose suspicious lesions yourself.
A dermatologist can assess your skin and determine whether further investigation is necessary.
Why Consider a Professional Skin Examination?
A professional full-body skin examination allows a dermatologist to carefully examine areas that may be difficult for you to see yourself, including your scalp and back.
If a suspicious lesion is identified, your dermatologist can determine the appropriate next step. In some cases, this may include a biopsy so that the tissue can be examined and an accurate diagnosis can be made.
How frequently you need a professional skin examination depends on factors such as your medical history, previous skin cancers, family history, skin type, sun exposure and other individual risk factors.
Skin Health Is About More Than Skin Cancer
Preventative dermatology is only one part of maintaining healthy skin.
Skin conditions can affect people at every stage of life.
At Healthy Me Medical Centre, Dr Nkosiyenzile Cele provides dermatological care for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Vitiligo
- Skin infections
- Hair loss
- Cutaneous lupus
- Suspicious moles and skin lesions
- Paediatric skin conditions
The practice also provides surgical and cosmetic dermatology services, including procedures such as cryosurgery and excisional surgery, as well as treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling and skin rejuvenation where clinically appropriate.
Your Skincare Routine Should Be Personal
Social media can make skincare seem unnecessarily complicated.
More products do not automatically mean healthier skin.
The best routine depends on your skin type, age, medical conditions, environment and individual concerns. Someone with acne may require a very different routine from someone managing eczema, pigmentation or sensitive skin.
Using too many active ingredients or constantly changing products may actually irritate your skin.
If you are uncertain about what your skin needs, professional advice can help you avoid unnecessary experimentation and develop a routine appropriate for you.
Make September Your Skin Health Reset
Skin Care Awareness Month is a useful reminder, but healthy skin requires attention throughout the year.
Start with the fundamentals: protect your skin from excessive sun exposure, use gentle products suited to your skin, pay attention to changes and seek professional advice when something does not seem right.
Your skin protects you every day. September is the perfect opportunity to return the favour.
If you have a persistent skin concern, have noticed a suspicious change or simply want professional guidance about your skin health, Healthy Me Medical Centre is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert dermatologists.
Office
Shop No. 501 – The Pavilion Shopping Centre, westville, Durban, 3629