A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails. Whether it’s rashes, wrinkles, psoriasis, or melanoma, no one understands your skin, hair, and nails better than a board-certified dermatologist.  Dermatologists are expert medical doctors and skin surgeons with the unique skills and experience to offer the best care for our skin that takes such great care of us! On any given day a dermatologist can remove a deadly melanoma, offer relief from chronic eczema, put a teen at ease by treating acne, or offer advice and treatment about daily skin care and cosmetic concerns.

Generally speaking, if you’re not suffering from any issues with your skin, it’s a good idea to start regularly seeing a dermatologist by age 40, unless conditions develop that warrant earlier visits. Experts agree that scheduling an annual appointment gives you the best chance of staying safe and keeping your skin healthy. Dermatologists provide annual skin exams to identify any suspicious lesions indicative of skin cancer.

There are two types of sunscreen filters. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and octisalate to offer sun protection. These work by absorbing the sun’s rays, turning it into heat, and then releasing that heat through the skin.  Mineral sunscreens act as a physical barrier between you and UV rays, scattering the light when it hits your skin. There are two physical blockers–titanium and zinc oxide. Titanium and zinc oxide are well tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive, and less likely to cause a reaction and are reef safe.

Most of us have our skincare routine down to an art — for the face. But we should pay just as much attention to our hands, where the signs of aging are very visible. Our hands take a lot of punishment — and it often shows. They are exposed to the elements frequently, plus they’re always in motion. Also through the pandemic, we put our hands through even more with more frequent washing and sanitizing.

To give your hands the care they crave, deserve, and need, here are some tips:

• Carry hand cream with your sanitizer. This will help to repair any irritation— and keep your skin smooth.  An ultra-hydrating, high-quality product is key to provide long-lasting hydration, helping restore the skin’s moisture barrier and soften and soothe even the roughest, driest skin.
• Protect your hands from changing temperatures. As the temperature drops, the heat indoors goes up. The air within your home and out in the world are drier than in other seasons.  At times,  your hands may become chapped, red and itchy. To protect your hands, wear gloves on cold days, and use rubber gloves when doing housework because overexposure to hot water and chemicals can strip your skin of its natural oils making them dry and chapped. Also, use mild soaps, or soaps with moisturizers, to avoid drying out your skin, and try lowering the temperature of your shower or bath.
• Apply sunscreen. It seems obvious, but many of us use our hands to apply sunscreen, but then forget to apply it to the tops of the hands.  Protecting the hands with sunscreen not only protects the skin against UV rays, but can also reverse signs of photoaging.

There’s actually a lot you can do to make pores less noticeable. Here are a few tips:

• Use only non-comedogenic skin care products and makeup: This means the product won’t clog your pores. When pores clog, they expand, which can make them look more noticeable. Look for one of the following terms on everything you apply to your face: non-comedogenic; oil free; won’t clog pores.
• Cleanse your face twice a day: Clogged pores or an oily complexion can make pores look larger. Cleansing twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser can unclog pores, prevent clogged pores, and reduce oiliness. Remember to use warm water, not hot, and gently wash your face.
• Use retinol/retinoid: If you have oily skin, mild acne, or your skin appears less firm than it once was, pores can look larger. Using a skin care product with retinol or prescription strength retinoid may help. For best results, apply the product before going to bed. Some people find that this type of skin care product irritates their skin. You can prevent this by washing your face and then waiting 30 minutes to apply the product. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t use a product containing retinol or retinoid.