Derm Deep Dive: Skin Care Trends and Guidelines for 2024

Skin Checks

The most important is to conduct skin checks on yourself once each month to make sure you’re aware of any new or changing areas on your skin. I tell patients to follow the “ABCDs” for a skin check:

Asymmetry: Spots on the skin should appear symmetrical (i.e. even on both sides) rather than asymmetrical (i.e. uneven on one side). 

Borders: The borders around any spots or areas on your skin should be smooth as opposed to jagged or uneven. 

Changing: Have any areas of your skin changed over time or since you last conducted a skin check?

Different: Are any areas of your skin different in appearance, i.e. new spots, discoloration, or lesions? Lesions can be an indication of skin cancer, so it’s especially important to see a dermatologist if you notice pigmented, brown, red, crusting or non-healing lesions. 

While it’s excellent to conduct monthly self-exams on your skin to be aware of any abnormalities that fit into the above ABCD categories, I also recommend getting an annual skin check by a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer rates are rising in Maine at a higher level than in other parts of the country, and the best prevention is awareness and early diagnosis.

Sun Protection

Here at Optima Dermatology, we can’t say this enough – sun protection is a must, even on overcast days and during the winter months. Sunscreen and other skin protection measures will never go out of style, and is something you should follow daily. 

I recommend using a daily moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30, and using a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher when you’re going to be outside for any extended period. And don’t forget to reapply! 

Maine has so many wonderful ways to spend time outdoors, whether on the beaches or in the mountains, and I encourage my patients to enjoy being outside as much as possible but to always remember to protect their skin from the sun at the same time.

Moisturizing

Maine (and the rest of New England) is known for its cold and sometimes harsh winters, so regularly moisturizing your skin in the winter months is incredibly important to combat dry skin and protect it from the elements. 

I recommend moisturizing all year long, as hot weather can also cause dry skin and our skin naturally reacts to a lack of moisture by producing oil. A regular, light moisturizer can make the difference between dry, itchy, red, or flaky skin and healthy, soft skin that can handle the elements, whatever they might be. 

Slugging

Named with the slimy insect in mind, the practice of slugging is covering your skin in Vaseline or petroleum jelly before bed to help moisturize your skin while you sleep.

I recommend using a thin layer if you choose to follow this trend, and I also recommend skipping your other skin care regimens on nights you are slugging because petroleum jelly on the skin can make those products more potent and can lead to irritation. 

Skin Cycling

This trend is something a lot of dermatologists promote, including the American Academy of Dermatology. Skin cycling is when you turn your skin care regimen into a four-night cycle that looks something like this:

• Night 1: Exfoliation 
• Night 2: Apply a retinoid, either over-the-counter or prescription
• Night 3: Moisturize
• Night 4: Moisturize

The idea behind skin cycling is to vary your regimen so you’re adequately spacing out exfoliation and moisturization to result in a healthier approach to your skin care. You shouldn’t be exfoliating every night, but when balanced with other skin care practices, it is an effective treatment that helps promote healthy, glowing skin.