Rosemont, Ill. – November 02, 2026 -- A routine of just three products, a gentle cleanser, a moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, is the core of what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends for National Healthy Skin Month this November.

A damaged skin barrier lets germs in and moisture out

The skin barrier is the outermost layer of skin. It is the first line of defense against pollution, environmental damage, inflammation, and infection, and it keeps moisture locked in. When it is compromised, germs can get inside and cause infection. Water loss can leave skin dry, flaking, tight, or rough.

A weakened barrier can also worsen eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne. Warning signs include sensitive, reactive skin with redness, discoloration, burning, or stinging when products are applied.

Over-cleansing, harsh products, hot water, and too much sun can all strip the barrier. So can over-exfoliating and layering too many active ingredients, which the AAD says is often driven by social media trends.

The AAD lists five steps to protect and repair skin

• Follow a simple routine: gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Introduce new ingredients gradually rather than all at once.
• Wash the face and body with warm water, not hot.
• If you exfoliate, find a schedule that avoids over-exfoliating, which can leave skin red and irritated.
• Seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply sunscreen outdoors, since UV rays can damage skin even on cloudy or cool days.

Skin findings can point to conditions elsewhere in the body

Board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, says skin can show signs of diabetes and insulin resistance, poor blood circulation, liver and gallbladder dysfunction, autoimmune disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. Skin findings can prompt further evaluation for diabetes, lupus, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. They can also reveal more common issues such as vitamin or iron deficiency.

Some findings, such as hair loss, do not point to a single diagnosis on their own. They do let a dermatologist begin narrowing down the underlying cause.

Nazarian notes that dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat more than 3,000 skin conditions, and that the differences between diagnoses can be subtle. Early diagnosis matters most for serious conditions: many potentially life-threatening skin conditions, including melanoma, have significantly better survival rates when caught early.

The AAD also recommends learning a skin self-exam

The AAD urges the public to learn how to check their own skin for signs of skin cancer and to keep a consistent routine that strengthens the barrier. People can find a board-certified dermatologist near them through the AAD's online directory.