Connect With A Dermatologist Near You
What is a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a professional, trained and certified to provide support for cosmetic issues, helping patients to revitalize the appearance of their skin, hair, and nails. They are well equipped to diagnose and manage all kinds of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and even skin cancers. They are also trained to carry out skin grafts, laser treatments, the excisions of lesions and rejuvenating therapies.
Dermatologists provide us with tips and guidance on how to take care of our skin and achieve that ever glowing skin we continually desire. They’ve researched and sampled countless skin products. They encounter first-hand, daily, the damaging effects of too much ultraviolet exposure in their patients. But in one fundamental way, dermatologists are just like us! They still go out into the world and worry about the health of their skin.
Here are ten ways dermatologist protect their skin
They start their Morning with Coffee and Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemicals that interact with and neutralize free radicals, thus preventing them from causing damage. The dietary antioxidant supplement is associated with reduced risk of developing or dying from cancer. Examples of dietary antioxidants include beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C, and E (alpha-tocopherol). Vitamin E oil works to block free radicals from the body, which play a vital role in the aging process, reducing skin wrinkles and keeping the skin youthful looking
Coffee is not only good for a morning boost; it could reduce the risk of melanoma skin cancer. A study conducted by researchers from the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Yale School of Public Health at Yale University in New Haven found that the more coffee participants consumed each day, the less likely they were to develop melanoma during the follow-up period. Drinking four cups of coffee a day was associated with a 20% lower risk of melanoma.
They wear lip Gloss only after Dark
“Super shiny lip gloss can act as a magnifier and enhance the penetration of UV sunlight. A lot of patients wear lip gloss outside and get their lips sunburned” says Dr. Graber. She also adds that lower-lip skim cancers are getting common and are likely to spread. The pros prefer to use a lip balm with SPF during the day.
“I close my mouth and do a pass over my lips when I put on my regular sunscreen to cover them with the formula,” says Dr. Amy Wechsler.
They Don’t Smoke
In addition to increasing their risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, and strokes. Smoking also boosts their risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 52%. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common cancer. A study found in the Archives of Dermatology found that even those who smoke just a few cigarettes a day are affected. Smoking also accelerates the skin aging process mainly through the nicotine in cigarettes. Nicotine causes narrowing of blood vessels found beneath the skin, thereby restricting the flow of oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin. Cigarettes also contain chemicals that damage collagen and elastin, fibers that helps to maintain the integrity and elasticity of the skin.
They stay away from Chemical Sunscreens
Most dermatologists prefer physical sunscreen over chemical sunscreens. Physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium oxide are much gentler and are good at reflecting ultraviolet radiations. On the other hand, although they’re safe and good, chemical sunscreens can sometimes cause irritation and can be absorbed directly into the skin.
They Keep their Sunscreen next to Their Toothpaste
The easiest way to remind themselves to always put their sunblock on is to strategically put in a place where they will see it, which is next to their toothpaste on the bathroom sink. This habit is backed by a recent study, that participants who stored SPF next to their toothpaste had a 20% increase in use compared with the group who kept it elsewhere.
They know the Spots other People Miss
Dermatologists spend all day examining people for skin lesions and spots. They’ve seen the places where skin cancers are likely to show up and where wrinkles set in,
The other often-overlooked areas are between your toes and along the hairline. “I witness a ton of brown spots in front of the ears as well as on the top of the forehead, so I start my facial sunscreen at the periphery, then get more product if I need to reach my nose once,” says Doris Cay, M.D.
They Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water/fluids is good for the general health of the body. Drinking enough fluid helps to keep the skin moist, which is very essential for skin protection.
“Dry skin can have small gaps in the skin barrier that allow entry of bacteria and fungus,” says dermatologist Michael Lin, MD, medical director of the Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute in Beverly Hills, California.
Try these tips to keep your skin hydrated
- Use the right moisturizing cream or lotion for your skin. “Look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or coconut oil,” says Dr. Grossman.
- Invest in a humidifier. Using a humidifier can help keep the air hydrated, which can prevent moisture from evaporating from your skin
They Manage Stress
The secret to the younger skin isn’t in the beauty aisle. Stress causes people to look older than their real age. People invest so much on creams, facials and cosmetics product, but if the stress is still there, it won’t make much difference. Stress can break the fragile capillaries under your eyes, leaving you with under-eye rings and a tired appearance.
Ways to relieve stress include physical fitness, meditation, and massage therapy.
They eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can make you look and feel healthy. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein promote healthy skin. Some research suggests that diet rich in fish oil or fish oil supplement might promote younger looking skin.
They choose their SPF level mathematically
Frequent skin exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems as well as increase the risk of skin cancer
SPF number is a rough estimate of time a person who has applied the sunscreen can stay out in the sun without getting burned.
When sunscreens are tested in the lab under perfect conditions, scientists determine their SPF based on using a super-thick (some say impractical) amount to cover skin.
The average SPF number for dermatologist on a regular basis is SPF 30
Connect With A Dermatologist Near You
References
Protect Skin with Sun Safety Measures. (2001). Opflow, 27(6), 13-13. doi: 10.1002/j.1551-8701.2001.tb02314.x
SCHNEIDER, M. (2005). Dermatologists Best Other Physicians at Skin Lesion Dx. Skin & Allergy News, 36(4), 58. doi: 10.1016/s0037-6337(05)70134-0
Sober, A., & Fitzpatrick, T. (1979). Melanoma Fact Sheet. CA: A Cancer Journal For Clinicians, 29(5), 276-279. doi: 10.3322/canjclin.29.5.276
Whiteman, H. (2018). Coffee consumption linked to reduced melanoma risk. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288316.php
