National Healthy Skin Month Orlando
November 5, 2025
Did you know your skin is your body's largest organ? It provides a first-line of defense against germs and bacteria, and offers important clues about your overall health. From sun exposure to seasonal weather changes, everyone’s skin endures much more daily wear-and-tear than you might think, and people don't always give their skin the attention it deserves. That's why the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) designates every November as National Healthy Skin Month. It’s the perfect time to learn more about your skin and adopt habits that will keep it healthy for a lifetime.
Keeping your skin healthy takes commitment, but it's one that's well worth it. After all, your skin reveals a lot about you, from your age to your overall well-being. Plus, a major reason to focus on skin health throughout November is to promote the off-season prevention and early detection of skin cancer. Every year there are millions of new cases of skin cancer diagnosed, making it the most common type of cancer in the U.S. that effects around 1-in-5 Americans at some point in their life. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 5.4 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers and over 100,000 cases of invasive melanoma are diagnosed each year.
“About ninety percent of skin cancer cases in the U.S. are caused by UV radiation from sun exposure or tanning devices,” says Dr. Michael Steppie, Orlando Mohs micrographic skin surgeon and medical director of Associates in Dermatology. “While people with lighter skin tones naturally have a higher risk for skin cancer, people with darker skin are often diagnosed at a later stage, which may make it more difficult to treat. Early detection has long been the key, as almost all forms of skin cancer are highly curable if detected and treated before they spread.” Since having any type increases one’s risk of developing skin cancer in the future, follow-ups are important.
National Healthy Skin Month highlights the impact good skin health has on your overall wellbeing. Through collaboration with dermatologists and healthcare organizations from coast to coast, the AAD is also dedicated to promoting skin cancer prevention and the need for early detection by educating the public about healthy skin care practices that can both improve skin appearance and increase their self-confidence about their skin, hair and nails. By actively participating in National Healthy Skin Month, and following healthy skin care practices, your community can take steps to protect and improve overall skin health for years to come.
Can drinking water during the winter help your skin?
“Yes, it can,” adds Dr. Steppie. “It is just as important to drink plenty of water during the winter months to help keep your skin hydrated from within. Drinking excessive amounts of water won't cure dry skin, but proper hydration during the cooler months can help deliver a healthy appearance. Staying well hydrated lets your skin maintain its proper moisture, improves its elasticity, flushes toxins, and increases blood flow to help with managing skin conditions like acne, psoriasis or eczema.”
The human body is made of water and it is the largest component of the body. All of the body’s organs, such as the lungs, heart, muscles, and skin, contain a great deal of water. Although humans can survive for weeks without food, no one can survive more than a few days without water. For starters, blood is 83% water and it is the crucial element that removes toxic waste, regulates body temperature, and delivers oxygen and valuable nutrients to the cells. Although newborn babies have the highest overall percentage of water at about 75%, but the number drops about ten percent during the first year.
For many living in the Sunshine State, it is much easier to remember to drink enough water during the summer months due to the excessive heat. But the fact is, daily fluid intake recommendations do not decrease during the winter months. So without the summer heat to work up a thirst, it can be easy to not drink as much water as your body needs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, cold weather can be as dry as the desert heat, because it cannot hold much moisture. Plus, even without the typical summer sweats, the body still loses moisture through the skin and humans need water year-round, just like houseplants do.
Healthy Skin Care for Every Type at Every Age
Your skin changes throughout your life. As it does, so should your skin care. National Healthy Skin Month encourages key practices to help you care for your skin all year, and not just in November. Good habits should be maintained every month of every year and begin with daily cleansing, moisturizing and adequate sun protection from UV damage, no matter the season. Moreover, it can be crucial to conduct self-exams and pay close attention to any changes on your skin, such as new growths, irregular moles, or common complaints like itchy or flaky patches of skin. AAD offers these tips:
- Baby skin care – Bringing home a new baby is a joyous and exciting time. But, learning to care for your little one can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to their delicate skin, and winter brings cooler air that can lead to dryness and irritation. For newborns with eczema, this can even trigger flare-ups. When you go outside, shield your baby’s exposed skin from the cold, as a baby’s skin is particularly vulnerable to the elements. Establishing healthy skincare habits during infancy can have a lasting impact on their health, and the best way to protect your baby from the sun is to stay in the shade. If you can’t find a shady spot, dress your baby in protective clothing, and if younger than 6 months, avoid sunscreen.
- Teens skin care– Winter can be tough on skin and teenage skin is already going through changes and may be oilier requiring a medicated cleanser. That may sound like a hassle, but oily skin isn’t all bad. The natural oils help preserve skin, which means teens with oily skin often have thicker skin and fewer wrinkles later in life. So, a teenager’s goal isn’t to get rid of all the oil but to find a healthy balance as too much oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts. It is important to avoid oil-based or alcohol-based cleansers and remember that harsh scrubbing can irritate the skin. But, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen every morning. If you're struggling with blackheads and acne, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist.
- Young adult skin care – Your 20s are the perfect time to establish a solid skincare routine that will keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come. By focusing on gentle cleansing, deep hydration, and sun protection now, you're investing in your skin's long-term health. Winter presents unique challenges, as cold, dry air and indoor heating can leave skin vulnerable to dryness and damage. Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer to combat dryness without clogging your pores. Plus, sun protection isn’t just for summer, it’s important to apply sunscreen to exposed areas before heading outdoors, even in winter. For acne treatment, dermatologists may prescribe adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin or trifarotene, but results do take time.
- Pregnancy skin care – Pregnancy is a time of incredible change for a woman’s body, and that includes her skin. Since dry air can worsen hormonal skin changes, November is a perfect time to deal with winter’s challenges like acne, dryness or hyperpigmentation. But most dermatologists agree the best pregnancy skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated, as a simple one is where women are aware of what they are putting on their skin. When you're pregnant, it’s crucial to pay close attention to product labels, so look for hydrating products with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil. It’s best to avoid retinoids, skin-lightening agents, high-dose salicylic acid, and certain medications.
- Anti-Aging Skin Care – If you've been thinking about starting an anti-aging routine or trying new treatments, winter might be the ideal time to begin. Here's why the colder months offer unique advantages for rejuvenating your skin. After months of summer sun exposure, winter gives your skin a chance to recover. The cooler weather and more time spent indoors create an ideal setting for intensive hydration and repair treatments. With shorter days and less intense UV radiation, winter provides a safer environment for using potent ingredients like retinoids, which can increase sun sensitivity. While a good moisturizer can plump up fine lines within days, most anti-aging products require at least six weeks to show noticeable improvements.
- Menopausal Skin Care – Menopause officially begins one year after your last period. During this transition, hormonal shifts, particularly the drop in estrogen levels, can significantly impact your skin and hair. Research shows that women lose approximately 30% of their skin's collagen during the first five-years of menopause. After that, collagen continues to decline at a rate of about 2% per year for the next two decades. Plus, years of sun exposure tend to become more visible as you age with larger patches of darker skin and age spots. In addition, some women experience teen-like acne outbreaks as hormone levels drop. Both skin cancer and pre-cancerous growths become more common with age.
- Senior Skin Care – As most people enter their 60s or 70s, they notice their skin behaves differently with additional dryness and irritation, alongside an increase in areas of skin sensitivity. During your senior years, your skin becomes thinner, loses moisture and may be itchier, but everyone does age differently. While medications and medical conditions can contribute to skin conditions, the right skincare routine can improve how it looks and feels. However, even with more wrinkles, age spots and discolored patches, proper sun protection remains crucial. Wearing protective clothing and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen can help prevent new age spots and lowers your overall risk of skin cancer.
The secret to healthy skin lies in consistency. Develop both morning and evening routines that work for your lifestyle and stick with them. Start by identifying whether your skin type is oily, dry, combination, normal, or sensitive, then select products specifically formulated for your skin's unique needs. A basic year-round routine should include cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection during the day, with the addition of targeted treatments in the evening as needed. While that golden glow might seem appealing during winter months, it’s best to avoid the concentrated UV radiation of tanning beds.
Winter is a Good Time to Check Your Skin
For residents in our Central Florida communities, Orlando’s milder climate often seems less challenging for skin care than for those living in a harsh winter landscape. Nonetheless, our most temperate season still impact your skin’s health. In fact, you may experience dry, flaky patches of skin simply due to less moisture in the air or the indoor heating used during drops in temperature. Although some see temporary improvements in their skin health due to less time spent in the sun and reduced skin oiliness, minor shifts throughout the winter can pull moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, flakiness, and chapping.
Skin needs change with the seasons, so adjust your product lineup accordingly. As temperatures drop, switch from lightweight lotions to thicker creams or ointments that create a stronger moisture barrier. Avoid overwhelming your skin with too many products by focusing on important essentials. A gentle cleanser and quality moisturizer should form the foundation of your routine. Also look for products containing lipids, ceramides and hyaluronic acid that work together to restore and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. If you’re prone to chapped hands during cooler weather, invest in moisturizing hand soap and cream.
Consider booking an appointment this month, especially if it's been over a year since your last skin check. While spots larger than a pencil eraser warrant immediate attention, smaller suspicious areas shouldn't be ignored either. Use a hand mirror to check hard-to-see areas such as your neck, scalp, back, and buttocks. Watch for warning signs including asymmetrical shapes, uneven skin texture, spots with irregular borders, color variations, or any changes in size, shape, or color. A dermatologist can perform a comprehensive full-body exam to access spots or suspicious moles that you might have missed.
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Let this November be the month you build new habits to keep your skin vibrant and healthy for years to come by paying closer attention to your skin, hair and nails. After all, whether you are a newborn or a centenarian, good skin care is for everyone. If you notice anything unusual, call 800-827-7546 to schedule an annual skin exam at one of Associates in Dermatology’s sixteen Central Florida offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, or St. Cloud.
