November is national healthy skin month

November marks National Healthy Skin Month across the USA and Canada, a reminder to give our skin the attention it deserves, especially as winter sets in. At Juillet Juillet, where sun protection is a core mission, we take this opportunity to reaffirm how essential skin health is to overall wellbeing.

Your skin, your shield

As the body's largest organ, your skin plays a critical role: protecting against environmental aggressors, regulating body temperature, and acting as a barrier. Healthy skin isn't just about aesthetics, it's about staying strong, resilient, and well.

National Healthy Skin Month, brought to life by the American Academy of Dermatology, shines a spotlight on prevention, awareness, and daily care habits. It's also a call to action: skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and yet, it's largely preventable.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 (a similar trend is observed across Europe)

• Experiencing five or more sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma

• Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common skin cancers

• Melanoma is the deadliest, but also one of the most treatable when detected early

Building a skin-friendly routine, all year round

Good skincare isn't seasonal. Here are some foundational steps to keep your skin glowing and protected:

Start and end your day by cleansing with a gentle product that respects your skin barrier. Know your skin type and avoid irritating ingredients, especially during winter when skin tends to be more reactive. Prioritize rest — the holiday season often means stress, sugar, and late nights, all of which can trigger inflammation and breakouts. Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep and maintaining regular movement, ideally outdoors, supports both physical and skin health.

Hydration is just as important in cold weather. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day and keep alcohol intake moderate. Alcohol dehydrates and contributes to skin dullness and premature aging. After bathing, apply a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration. Don’t forget a lip balm with SPF, lips are particularly vulnerable to UV damage.

And yes, sunscreen is still essential in winter. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every single day, especially if you're skiing or spending time outdoors. UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, intensifying your exposure. Wearing anti-UV and UPF 50+ clothing, like our Juillet Juillet swimwear and accessories, adds an effortless layer of protection, especially for active families.

When to get your skin checked

Doing a full-body skin self-exam once a month is a great habit to adopt. Look for changes in moles, irregular shapes, new spots, or persistent rashes. These can be early signs of skin cancer, but also of other underlying health issues like allergies, infections, or autoimmune reactions.

If you have fair skin, red hair, a family history of skin cancer, or many moles or freckles, you’re at higher risk. Annual checkups with a dermatologist are a must.

A quick note on skin trivia and why it matters

Your skin renews itself approximately every 28 days. It’s constantly working to protect you, breathe, and recover. The skin on your eyelids is the thinnest, while the thickest is on your feet. And surprisingly, a significant part of household dust is made up of dead skin cells. Like the rest of your body, your skin deserves care, respect, and attention.

This November, take action

Make National healthy skin month your reminder to recommit to protecting your skin — not just from dryness, but from the long-term risks of UV exposure. Stock up on nourishing skincare, check your products, and if you’re planning winter holidays, don't forget your UPF 50+ swimwear and layers. Sun damage doesn't take a vacation.

Discover Juillet Juillet’s collection of stylish anti-UV clothing for women and children,  made to move with you, whatever the season.