Skin Wellness Dr Holmes Answers Your Skin-Care Questions

• Dr Kathryn Holmes | The Mayah Clinic | Dr. Holmes has followed 15 years in general practice with another 20 years in Cosmetic Medicine, skin health and laser. She is a founding fellow of the Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine and the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia.

“Is it important to look after my skin?"

It sure is! We have a whole lot of skin. In fact, our skin is the biggest body organ. It grows really fast. Your body gets rid of 30,000 to 40,000 old skin cells every day. Our skin performs many important functions to keep us healthy.

“What can happen if I don't look after my skin?”

We all know that we can get sunburnt, which is an immediate result of forgetting to look after our skin. We also know that we can get skin cancer. Don't think these are all problems only when we get old! Melanomas, in particular, can occur even in kids and young adults. They are the most deadly of the skin cancers. It is the third most common cancer in Australian women, and diagnosis numbers are rising.

“What else does UV light cause?”

Many of our common skin problems, like acne and rosacea, are made worse by the sun. Of course, freckles and other brown spots, lines and wrinkles are all from sun damage.

“But if I am outside a lot, I can’t help having my skin in the sun.”

I think that’s a bit of a cop-out. There is always a choice. Better, healthy, glowing skin is a choice. Of course, it IS harder to protect your skin in an Australian summer! Perhaps in Australia, we just need to change our mindset about the summer sun and the bronzed Aussie.

“But it’s too late for me.”

It is never too late to reduce skin cancer risk and improve skin health and appearance. Reducing sun exposure from right now will help your skin in the future. We recently had a 90-year-old lady attend our clinic for a consultation, and five months later, with an inclinic and at-home plan, her skin was noticeably brighter, clearer and healthier.