Healthy skin does more than affect appearance. Your skin helps protect your body from the environment, so caring for it year-round can help prevent avoidable irritation, sun damage, and other problems. In Lancaster, where sunny and dry conditions can affect the skin, simple habits can make daily skin care easier.
If you have a skin concern, wound, or other health issue that you are unsure how to manage, talk with your doctor about the best next steps. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Sun protection is important year-round, not just during summer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can contribute to sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.
When spending time outdoors, consider wearing protective clothing, seeking shade when possible, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen as directed. Remember that clouds and cooler temperatures do not completely block UV exposure.
Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Dry air and cooler fall and winter weather can leave skin feeling dry, tight, or irritated. Frequent handwashing and indoor heating can also contribute to dry skin.
A fragrance-free moisturizer can help support the skin's protective barrier. Applying moisturizer after bathing or washing your hands can help hold moisture in the skin.
Be Gentle When Washing
Keeping your skin clean is important, but harsh products and very hot water can worsen dryness. Use warm rather than very hot water and choose gentle cleansing products when possible.
Simple habits can help protect your skin:
- Avoid prolonged hot showers or baths.
- Use gentle cleansers instead of harsh soaps.
- Pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it vigorously.
- Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
Pay Attention to Small Wounds
Minor cuts and scrapes are common throughout the year. Cleaning a small wound and keeping it protected can help support normal healing.
However, some wounds need professional evaluation, especially if they do not appear to be healing normally. Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, drainage, worsening pain, or fever may require medical attention.
Take Extra Care With Chronic Conditions
Certain health conditions can affect how well the body heals. People with diabetes, circulation problems, or other conditions may need to pay closer attention to their skin and feet.
If you have a condition that affects healing, follow the care instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Do not assume that a wound will resolve on its own if it is changing or not improving.
Protect Your Hands During Fall and Winter
As October through December bring cooler weather and holiday preparations, your hands may face additional exposure to cold air, cleaning products, frequent washing, and household tasks.
Wearing appropriate gloves when working outdoors or handling irritating substances can provide an extra layer of protection. Moisturizing regularly can also help reduce dryness and cracking.
Don't Ignore Changes in Your Skin
Not every change in the skin is an emergency, but new or persistent changes that do not resolve or continue to worsen deserve attention. Changes in a mole, an unexplained sore, unusual bleeding, or a wound that does not heal normally should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Avoid diagnosing a skin condition based solely on its appearance. A qualified healthcare professional can determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.
Practice Safe Holiday Skincare
The holiday season can bring activities that create unexpected skin injuries. Cooking burns and cuts while preparing food, and irritation from household products can all occur when people are busy.
Take your time when cooking and decorating, keep hot surfaces away from children, and use appropriate protection when handling cleaning or chemical products. For a serious burn, deep wound, or other significant injury, seek prompt medical attention.
Know When a Skin Injury Is an Emergency
Some skin injuries require immediate medical care. Severe burns, extensive wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, serious allergic reactions, or injuries accompanied by difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms can be emergencies.
If you or someone else has a life-threatening injury or medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Antelope Valley Medical Center provides 24/7 emergency services for patients who require hospital-level care.
Yearlong Skin Safety in Lancaster
Good skincare does not need to be complicated. Protecting your skin from the sun, keeping it moisturized, properly caring for minor wounds, and paying attention to changes can help you make informed choices throughout the year.
For residents looking for a medical center in Lancaster, CA, Antelope Valley Medical Center provides a broad range of hospital services for the Antelope Valley community. If you have a health concern that needs professional attention, talk with your doctor to determine what care may be appropriate. For a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911.
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