By Dr. Steven Long, DO, MHA, CPT
Beyond Health | Precision Medicine for High-Performance Living
Skin is more than just a cosmetic surface—it’s the body’s largest organ, your first barrier against the outside world, and one of the most visible reflections of your health.
At Beyond Health, we care about skin health for two reasons:
- Cosmetic and functional aging—how your skin looks and feels over time.
- Cancer prevention—reducing the risk of one of the most common malignancies in the United States.
Let’s break down what the evidence says about skin care for both appearance and long-term health.
Skin Aging: What the Science Tells Us
Skin aging is driven by two main processes:
- Intrinsic aging (the natural biological process)
- Extrinsic aging (primarily environmental damage—especially UV exposure)
Evidence shows that extrinsic factors, especially UV damage, account for up to 80% of visible skin aging (wrinkles, discoloration, loss of elasticity).
Key evidence-based strategies for cosmetic benefit:
- Daily Sunscreen Use
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ significantly slows photoaging.
- A randomized controlled trial in Australia showed daily sunscreen reduced skin aging over 4.5 years compared to discretionary use.
- Topical Retinoids
- Vitamin A derivatives (retinol, tretinoin) stimulate collagen production and normalize epidermal turnover.
- Tretinoin remains the gold standard for reducing fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and roughness.
- Antioxidants
- Topical vitamin C and E can reduce oxidative stress and improve pigmentation irregularities.
- Oral antioxidants have mixed evidence for cosmetic benefit but may support photoprotection in high UV environments.
- Moisturizers & Barrier Support
- Hydrated skin appears smoother and less wrinkled; ceramide-rich moisturizers improve barrier function.
Skin Cancer Prevention: Evidence-Based Protection
Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the U.S. Over 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
Primary prevention strategies:
- UV Protection
- UV exposure is the dominant risk factor for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen reduces actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma risk.
- Sun-protective clothing and wide-brim hats provide substantial reduction in cumulative UV dose.
- Avoiding Tanning Beds
- Indoor tanning increases melanoma risk by 59%; risk rises with each session.
- Regular Skin Exams
- Monthly self-checks and annual professional skin exams improve early detection, which is key for melanoma survival.
Practical Beyond Health Approach
At Beyond Health, our skin health recommendations integrate longevity, aesthetics, and cancer prevention:
- Daily routine:
- Morning: Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+, vitamin C serum, moisturizer.
- Evening: Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, retinoid (as tolerated).
- Lifestyle:
- Avoid intentional tanning.
- Prioritize nutrient-rich diet (vitamin C, E, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids).
- Maintain optimal metabolic health—skin is a metabolically active organ.
- Surveillance:
- Annual skin check with a dermatologist.
- Self-exam monthly; note changes in moles or lesions.
Bottom Line
Healthy skin is more than a cosmetic goal—it’s a reflection of systemic health and a critical barrier protecting you from disease.
Evidence-based skin care—daily sunscreen, retinoids, antioxidants, and UV protection—not only slows visible aging but also meaningfully reduces skin cancer risk.
At Beyond Health, we take a comprehensive approach, integrating these strategies into your overall longevity and performance plan—because the health of your skin is a visible marker of the health of your whole body.
