As the holiday season approaches, so does the hustle and bustle of shopping, social gatherings, and colder weather. November is the perfect month to start thinking about your skin’s needs to keep it glowing and healthy through holiday stress and winter’s chill. Here’s how you can get a head start on holiday skin prep and protect your skin as temperatures drop.

1. Prep Your Skin for Holiday Events

Between festive makeup, late nights, and holiday travel, our skin can take a hit during the busy season. Preparing now can make a world of difference, helping you look refreshed and radiant for every celebration. Here are some tips to keep your skin holiday-ready:

• Hydrating Facials and Treatments: A professional facial can give your skin an instant hydration boost, making it look smoother and brighter. Treatments like chemical peels or gentle microdermabrasion can also help remove dead skin cells, allowing your skin to better absorb moisturizers.
• Brightening Ingredients: Start incorporating products with ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration and brighten skin tone, creating a fresh, glowing look that will hold up even after a long night.
• Maintain a Simple Routine: It can be tempting to try new products for a quick glow-up, but holiday season is not the time to experiment. Stick with what you know works, and introduce any new products gradually to avoid potential irritation.

2. Guard Your Skin Against Winter’s Cold

With cooler weather comes a new set of challenges for our skin. As the air gets drier, your skin’s natural moisture can quickly deplete, leading to dryness, flaking, and irritation. Here’s how to protect your skin:

• Moisturize Generously: Swap lightweight summer moisturizers for richer creams that contain ceramides, glycerin, or squalane. These ingredients help lock in moisture and support the skin barrier.
• Limit Hot Showers: While it’s tempting to turn up the heat, hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry and tight. Aim for lukewarm water instead and apply body moisturizer immediately afterward.
• Invest in a Humidifier: Combat indoor dryness by using a humidifier at home. This can help replenish moisture in the air, preventing your skin from becoming overly dry as you spend more time indoors.

3. Stress Less with Some Self-Care

Between prepping for Thanksgiving and holiday shopping, stress levels can rise quickly. Unfortunately, stress can take a toll on our skin, leading to breakouts or dullness. Incorporating small self-care practices into your routine can make a big difference.

• At-Home Masks and Treatments: Take 15-20 minutes to unwind with a hydrating sheet mask or a clay mask that targets pores and breakouts. This can give you a spa-like experience from the comfort of your home and give your skin a healthy boost.
• Mindful Breaks: Incorporate mindfulness practices like deep breathing or meditation to help manage stress. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing can help you reset and reduce the stress hormone cortisol, which may impact skin health.
• Book a Skin Check: November is a great time to book a skin check if you haven’t already done so this year. Routine checks with your dermatologist are an important part of overall skin health, helping you catch any concerns early and keep your skin looking its best.

Get Ahead of Holiday and Winter Skincare Needs

Planning ahead can help you feel more confident, comfortable, and prepared for the holiday season. From simple skincare adjustments to taking time for self-care, your skin will be better equipped to handle the extra demands of the season.

Need help tailoring your skincare routine or want to schedule a treatment? Our team is here to support your skin health and holiday glow goals. Reach out to book an appointment or ask any questions about protecting your skin this season!

We recognize the desire some of our patients have for a healthy glow going into the winter months. Since we all know the extreme dangers of too much sun exposure and tanning beds, we asked our very own Cynthia Price, MD of https://www.skinsciencemd.com/ to provide her best tips for getting that highly sought after glow this holiday season.

As a dermatologist, I often encounter patients who desire a sun-kissed glow. While tanning may seem appealing, the dangers of prolonged sun exposure cannot be overstated. The harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. In this article, I will discuss the importance of sun protection and why opting for spray tans can be a healthier alternative.

Understanding UV Radiation

UV radiation from the sun comes in two main types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are primarily responsible for aging, while UVB rays are the main culprits behind sunburn. Both types can contribute to skin cancer. The skin’s natural defense against UV radiation is melanin, which gives skin its color. However, excessive exposure leads to an overload of melanin production, resulting in tanning that often hides deeper damage.

The Risks of Sun Exposure

1. Skin Cancer: According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The most common types—basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma—are linked to UV exposure. Melanoma, in particular, is the deadliest form of skin cancer.

2. Premature Aging: Chronic sun exposure accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. This condition, often referred to as photoaging, can be difficult to reverse.

3. Sunburn: Even a single sunburn can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Repeated sunburns, especially in childhood, significantly raise this risk.

The Benefits of Spray Tans

Given the risks associated with sun exposure, many individuals are turning to spray tans as a safer option for achieving a bronzed look. Here are some key benefits:

1. No UV Exposure: Spray tans provide a tanned appearance without the harmful effects of UV radiation. This means you can enjoy a glow without the associated risks of skin damage.

2. Customization: Professional spray tans can be tailored to suit your skin tone, providing a more natural look than traditional tanning methods. Many salons offer various shades and formulations.

3. Quick Results: Unlike sunbathing, which can take hours, a spray tan provides immediate results, allowing you to achieve your desired look in just a few minutes.

4. Longevity and Maintenance: With proper care, spray tans can last from five to ten days. Regular touch-ups can keep your glow fresh without the need for continual sun exposure.

Safe Sun Practices

If you still wish to enjoy the outdoors, it’s crucial to practice sun safety:

– Wear Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

– Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

– Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to shield your skin from direct sunlight.

– Regular Skin Checks: Monitor your skin for any changes, such as new moles or changes in existing moles, and consult a dermatologist for regular skin checks.

While the desire for a tan is understandable, the risks associated with sun exposure are significant. Choosing spray tans over traditional tanning methods can help you achieve the look you want without compromising your skin health. By prioritizing sun protection and making informed choices, you can enjoy a beautiful complexion while minimizing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Remember, healthy skin is always in style.

As the holidays approach, schedules get busier, and our calendars fill with events, gatherings, and festivities. October is the ideal time to schedule your cosmetic treatments, ensuring your skin is glowing and refreshed by the time the holiday season is in full swing. By taking care of your skin now, you’ll not only beat the holiday rush but also give your skin plenty of time to heal and reveal its best results.

Why Book in October?

With holiday parties, family photos, and year-end celebrations on the horizon, you’ll want to look and feel your best. Cosmetic treatments, like injectables, laser treatments, or chemical peels, often require a bit of recovery time to see the full effects. By booking your appointment in October, you’ll allow enough time for any redness, swelling, or minor side effects to subside, leaving you with radiant skin just in time for the holidays.

Benefits of Scheduling Early:

• Avoid the Holiday Rush: Dermatology offices get busier closer to the holidays, so securing your appointment early ensures you get the treatment you want at your preferred time.

• Optimal Results by the Holidays: Many cosmetic treatments, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and laser procedures, take a few weeks to show full results. An October appointment gives your skin the perfect amount of time to heal and rejuvenate before the festivities begin.

• Less Stress, More Glow: You can focus on enjoying the holidays with confidence, knowing your skin is in its best shape.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshed appearance or addressing specific concerns, October is the perfect time to give your skin the boost it needs. Book your consultation today, and step into the holiday season feeling and looking your best!

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your skin health while making the most of your healthcare benefits. If you’ve been putting off a skin check, now is the time to schedule your appointment. Many insurance plans reset at the beginning of the year, and you could still have benefits to use before they expire.

Additionally, did you know that some HSA/FSA (Health Savings or Flexible Spending accounts) can be used on medical-grade products* like sunscreens, cleansers, acne-treatments, lotions, and more? Plus, if you’ve already met your deductible for 2024, now is the time to come in and see us. With most plans, once you’ve met your annual deductible, you’ll often pay significantly less out of pocket for any healthcare expenses you have.

Why Get a Skin Check Now?

Skin checks are vital for early detection of skin cancer and other dermatological conditions. Regular checks give you peace of mind, and catching any issues early can save you from more extensive (and expensive) treatments down the road. With deductibles met and leftover HSA/FSA dollars in play, now is the ideal time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.

Book your appointment today and start the new year with healthier skin and peace of mind.

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that this reminder is not unique to your insurance, HSA or FSA. Now is a good time to check with your carriers about your benefits, specific coverage and annual deductible.