Dr. Elliott Kroger
Sedgebrook Medical Director

An easy way to fight dry skin

As we age, our skin loses oil glands, making drying skin a common and irritating concern. Frequent baths or showers (especially with harsh, perfumed soaps) can make this condition worse. The winter weather doesn’t help either.

Try using a mild, natural soap. After you shower, apply an equally mild moisturizing lotion to the areas of your skin that need it most. Applying lotion when your skin is still slightly damp (up to three minutes after showering), will help lock in moisture.

The most dangerous skin concern

A more serious concern is skin cancer, which affects 1.5 million Americans. Men over 50 are among those at greatest risk. By far, the deadliest forms of skin cancer are melanomas, which are almost always malignant. Fortunately, melanomas can be 100% curable if caught.

Protect yourself from skin cancer

Sunburn is a major factor in developing skin cancer. It’s not just a summer problem either. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure occurs all year-round, particularly in winter when the ice and snow cause a glare.

While some sun exposure is necessary for the body to make vitamin D, limit the time you spend in the sun year-round, and don’t set foot outside without a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of no less than 15.

Early detection is just as invaluable. A simple monthly head-to-toe skin exam plus an annual visit to a dermatologist are your keys to catching skin damage, including potential cancers, early.

Reduce your risk

Here are a few simple ways that you can fight skin damage every day:

• Stay out of the sun during its strongest hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00  p.m.

 • Since UV radiation comes through car and home windows, consider UV protective window film.