National Healthy Skin Month
Preserving skin health ensures longevity, radiance, and shields against environmental stressors for a healthy complexion.
Drive November skin-care sales and dermatology appointments by positioning sunscreen, moisturizers, and preventive skin checks as essential year-round health habits.
- SPF 365: Why sunscreen isn't just for summer—protect your skin even on cloudy days
- Skin Cancer Prevention Starts Now: Schedule your November dermatology check-up
- Head-to-Toe Skin Care: Don't forget the often-neglected areas (feet, neck, ears)
- Parents: Teach kids SPF 30+ habits early—AAD-backed skin protection for all skin tones
The inaugural celebration of National Healthy Skin Month took place in 1997 when it was launched by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The purpose behind founding the event was to encourage people to pay attention to their skin, build into healthy skin care habits, and protect their skin for a healthier lifestyle. Since that time, National Healthy Skin Month has become an annual event, taking place for more than 25 years and still going strong.
Protect That Skin
National Healthy Skin Month comes toward the end of the calendar year, reminding women and men to take care of their own skin, as well as parents taking care of their children’s skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all children, regardless of their skin tone, wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more. Adults should also wear sunscreen on a daily basis all throughout the year, even on cloudy days when 80% of UV rays can come through the clouds and still cause skin damage. Choosing a daily moisturizer with an SPF factor is a great way to make sure that the skin is protected from those dangerous sun rays that not only accelerate aging but also can cause skin cancer.
Get a Skin Check or Screening
An excellent way to observe National Healthy Skin Month might be to make an appointment with a dermatologist to get a skin check. Certain people are more likely to be high risk for getting skin cancer and should get checks regularly, including: People with a family history of melanoma in two or more relativesThose who have a large number of moles, or any atypical looking moles People who have a personal history of basal cell or squamous cell skin cancersThose with pink or gray patches of skin that are scaly and have been exposed to the sun often
Treat Your Skin from Head to Toe
Remember that the skin encompasses all of the places that cover the body, from callouses on the feet to moles on the neck and everything in between. Certain parts of the body have skin that may require a bit more attention. The face, neck and hands, which are almost always exposed to the elements, deserve extra protection from sun and environmental damage. The skin on the feet deserves to be protected by wearing breathable socks and well-fitted shoes. And the whole body can benefit from using lotion that helps to keep it moisturized and happy!