Broward College Expert Offers Tips for National Skin Care Awareness Month

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (August 31, 2015) – Along with eating well and exercising, skin care is an integral part of a health routine. During National Skin Care Awareness Month, in September, Broward College’s Associate Dean of Nursing, Catherine Johnson, Ph.D., is offerings tips on how diet and lifestyle can affect the skin.

Treat skin gently. Avoid hot water and long showers or baths, because they remove oils from the skin. Gently pat or blot skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Try not to use strong soaps and detergents, which can strip oil from the skin, and use mild cleansers. Also be sure to moisturize dry skin, and for daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

Do not smoke. Smoking makes skin appear aged and contributes to wrinkles. It narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. It also damages collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin strength and elasticity.

Avoid the sun's rays when they are usually strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. It’s best to seek the shade under a pavilion roof, leafy tree or sun umbrella. Consider outdoor activities in the evening rather than midday. Clothing can be the most effective form of sun protection, especially densely woven and bright or dark colored fabrics, which offer the best defense.

Eat a healthy diet. Healthy skin is a reflection of a balanced and nutritious diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. One of the most important components of healthy skin is vitamin A, which supports health skin cells, and can be found in low-fat dairy products.

Visit a dermatologist or physician, in addition to performing a head-to-toe self-exam. A professional will be able to spot a possible skin irregularity and intervene before it worsens or turns cancerous.

For more information, contact Angela Nicoletti at 954-201-7939 or anicolet@broward.edu.

-BC-