Most people think of skincare as something cosmetic.
But it’s more than that.
Your skin is your body’s first line of defense, and how you care for it plays a direct role in both how you age and your risk of skin cancer. At Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan, that’s a big part of the conversation — not just improving how your skin looks, but protecting its long-term health.
During Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good time to take a closer look at the habits that truly make a difference.
This is the foundation of everything.
Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to both premature aging and skin cancer. Daily sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV damage that builds over time.
Even on cloudy days — and even when you’re just running errands — your skin is exposed.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.
Sunscreen is essential, but it’s not the whole picture.
Protective habits like wearing hats, sunglasses, and avoiding peak sun hours (typically late morning through mid-afternoon) can further reduce your exposure.
Think of it as layering your protection — not relying on just one step.
Not all skin care products are created equal.
At Rick J. Smith, MD, we offer carefully selected, medical-grade skin care lines that support skin health, improve texture, and protect against environmental damage.
These products often include ingredients that:
The right products can help your skin look better — and function better.
As your skin ages, it doesn’t shed dead cells as efficiently. That buildup can make your skin look dull and uneven.
Jennifer Edwards, our experienced licensed medical esthetician, uses treatments like chemical peels and DiamondGlow® skin resurfacing to help remove damaged surface layers and reveal healthier skin underneath.
Regular exfoliation — whether at home or in our office — helps keep your skin looking fresh and responsive to treatment.
Collagen is what keeps your skin firm and smooth. As you age, your body produces less of it, which leads to fine lines, sagging, and thinning skin.
We offer treatments to help you stimulate collagen production and improve skin structure from within, such as:
These therapies are some of the most effective ways to slow visible aging rather than just treating it after the fact.
Sun damage doesn’t always show up right away. It can build beneath the surface for years before becoming visible as discoloration, uneven texture, or fine lines.
Advanced options like BBL® (broadband light) Heroic and other laser services help target and correct early signs of sun damage, improving tone and texture while supporting overall skin health.
Treating damage early often leads to better, longer-lasting results.
Your skin isn’t static, and your routine shouldn’t be either. What worked in your 20s may not be enough in your 40s or 50s.
Our team takes a personalized approach to skin care, offering professional assessments and customized treatment plans that adapt to your skin’s changing needs.
That may include a combination of:
The goal is simple: healthy skin now, and healthier skin long-term.
It’s much easier to prevent sun damage and premature aging than to reverse them later.
That doesn’t mean it’s too late if you’re already seeing changes — but it does mean that what you do starting now matters.
Consistent habits, combined with the right professional guidance, can make a meaningful difference over time.
Daily sun protection, high-quality skin care, and targeted treatments all work together to reduce your risk of skin cancer and help you maintain a more youthful, healthy complexion.
If you’re ready to take a more proactive approach to your skin, schedule an appointment with Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan. Our team can help you build a personalized plan that protects your skin today — and for years to come.
