How to Protect Your Skin Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine How to Protect Your Skin Nov 06, 2020 Cedars-Sinai Staff Share Tweet Post Our dermatologist shares tips and products to shield yourself from cancer and aging Illustration: Caitlin Cordtz Skin is the body’s largest organ—and the most vulnerable to damage from the elements. Living in sun-soaked Southern California makes skin protection all the more pressing. Cedars-Sinai dermatologist Allison Truong, MD, shares tips and tricks for healthy, glowing and protected skin. Q What does a good skin-care routine look like A: I spend most of my day telling people "less is more." The truth is, a good skin-care routine doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, it has only three essentials: Gentle cleanser Broad-spectrum, ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 Moisturizer for dry skin If you have specific skin-care concerns—such as fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots and other signs of aging—you may want to add an over-the-counter or prescription vitamin A cream to your repertoire. Q How do you decide which products to choose A: The volume of skin-care products is overwhelming—and their claims aren’t regulated by any oversight body. Creams and serums that contain vitamin A and vitamin C may help reduce the signs of aging. But with over-the-counter formulations, you never really know what you’re getting. To make matters more complex, many people are allergic to common skin-care ingredients. Your best bet: Stick with a gentle cleanser and visit a dermatologist for tailored advice. Q Which areas of the skin are most vulnerable to skin cancer A: The nose is the most common spot for skin cancers to develop because it has the greatest direct exposure to the sun. While sun exposure increases the risk of developing all types of skin cancer, cancers can also appear on areas of the skin that rarely see the sun, like the soles of the feet or the genitals. In those cases, genetics may play a large role—or a virus such as human papilloma virus (HPV) may be the driver. If you notice a mole has changed in size or shape, or begins bleeding, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Even without changing moles, most California residents would benefit from an annual visit with a dermatologist. Tags Meds and Tests Health Tips At-A-Glance magazine Fall 2020 Share Tweet Post Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics Patient Stories Health Tips Doctor Profiles At-A-Glance Meds and Tests Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai MAKE A GIFT VOLUNTEER Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility