Your Health Skin Health

Skin Health

As the bodies largest organ, your skin plays an important role in protecting your overall health and wellbeing. It is also your first line of defense against external threats.

What are some ways to maintain healthier skin?

Overall skin health can be influenced by many factors, here are a few important aspects to consider:
Sun Exposure: Strong UV Rays can cause your skin to age more quickly, cause wrinkles, and even increase your chance of developing skin cancer. If you are out and expect a long day of exposure to the sun, you can help protect yourself by spending more time in the shade, wearing sun screen, and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
Medications: Some medications that you take may increase skin dryness or sensitivity. Talk to a doctor if you are experiencing unusual redness, dryness, or skin irritation after taking a medication.
Moisturizers: If you are experiencing dry skin, consider using a moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated and restored. 
Maintain a healthy diet: Healthy diets help your skin condition improve and provide the building blocks for healthier skin cells. A proper diet may also help reduce inflammation, improve skin hydration, and reduce the chance of skin irritability from external factors. 

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How can compounded medications support your skincare needs?

Compounding pharmacies, like Valor, can compound medications with specific ingredients, in different strengths, and various dosage forms including gels, creams, lotions, or solutions. Whether you are in need of a non-commercially available product, have an allergy to an existing product that is available on the market, or if the commercially available product is experiencing shortages, a compounding pharmacy can help. 

Diving Deeper

Your skin consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. The outermost layer that we see is the epidermis, and it protects your body from external irritants and danger including bacteria, virus, and allergins.
The dermis is just below the epidermis, and it contains your sweat glands, oil glads, blood and lymph vessels, and hair follicles. The third layer is the hypodermis and it is a layer of fat stored under the skin.

Learn more

Some possible skin conditions may include:

Acne

Acne occurs when skin follicles become clogged with either oil or dead skin cells. There are several factors that may contribute to acne, including:
Hormonal changes (including puberty), genetics, diet, medications, irritated skin, stress, and more.

Eczema

Eczema is a condition which leads to dry and sensitive skin. It is non-contagious and can reappear over time depending on external irritants. Some of the main triggers for an eczema flare up include exposure to dust, detergents, soaps, and lotions. Flare-ups can appear on many areas of the body, and treatment options include applying ointments, wet bandages, humidifying the air, and rest.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system becomes overactive and skin cells multiply too quickly. Common signs include patches of skin becoming scaly or inflamed, and it occurs most commonly near your knees, elbows, or on the scalp.