Healthy Skin & Prevention: A Dermatologist’s Guide

You may have come across the term “healthspan” recently, especially as longevity medicine features more heavily in wellness and preventive health. It isn’t just about living longer, but living well. Your skin is your largest organ: it is responsible for protecting your body from the environment, and it also records your sun-safety habits. In many ways, it is a visual barometer of the cumulative damage from ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The state of the skin is often dismissed as a cosmetic concern rather than viewed as a health necessity. This article sheds light (pun intended) on why “skinspan” matters, too.

Photoageing is a form of skin ageing driven by sunlight exposure. Long-term exposure to UV radiation accelerates damage to skin cells through oxidative stress and chronic, low-grade inflammation. This mirrors biological ageing processes in the body, creating changes that overlap with chronological ageing.

Our lifestyle and habits influence our skin. In my dermatology practice, I notice that individuals who present with dry skin and sensitivity often have features of a weakened skin barrier. They may also experience poor sleep and chronic stress, which can contribute to skin issues. While one cannot diagnose internal disease from the skin alone, early signals from the skin may herald a broader problem within other body systems. In that sense, the skin can act as a visual warning system for deeper health issues that may be brewing.

Singapore’s tropical climate means UV exposure is high all year round. As a result, the average Singaporean is exposed to regular UV radiation during daily commutes, exercise routines, and even short errands—a pattern that differs from the seasonal variation seen in temperate climates, or the episodic sunburns from beach holidays.

If we look at local data on skin cancer rates, analyses show long-term increases in incidence over the decades, particularly for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This is a worrying trend, and dermatologists are advocating for increased awareness of skin cancer in Singapore.

While melanoma is less common locally, it is important to emphasise that, in Asians, a higher proportion occurs on the palms, soles, and nails. A 20-year National Skin Centre review (1996–2015) highlighted these patterns and the risk of delayed diagnosis. This is why dermatologists maintain a higher index of suspicion when inspecting pigmented lesions in these areas. Public education is also essential—both for self-checks and for earlier detection.

Overall sun-safety awareness remains suboptimal. Sun-protection habits are more commonly practised among younger age groups, but late presentation of skin cancers still happens. Lesions can be painless, slow-growing, or located on the soles or under the nails. This matches what I observe in clinic: many people wait until a lesion becomes symptomatic, and skin cancers may not “look typical” compared with photographs seen online.

In addition, the concept of skin cancer screening—or regular skin checks with a dermatologist—is not yet prevalent, nor is it commonly offered as part of routine health screening. This needs to change. Better education can help us detect skin cancer earlier and start treatment promptly.

Sun avoidance isn’t only about heading indoors. Staying indoors reduces exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB), the wavelength most associated with sunburn. Standard window glass filters UVB, but it does not fully block ultraviolet A (UVA). UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and contributes to collagen breakdown and long-term photoageing. So, if you work at a desk next to a window, you may still be exposed to UVA without showing obvious signs of sunburn.

Sunlight remains the main source of blue light. Research suggests that blue light emitted from devices is much lower in intensity than solar exposure, but cumulative exposure may still be a concern for people prone to hyperpigmentation, such as melasma. Consider a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage, and, if hyperpigmentation is a concern, look for products that also offer protection against visible light.

I suggest a simple mnemonic: ABC

• Appearance: Sudden appearance of irregular spots that increase in size or number.
• Behaviour: Persistent rough patches on the skin, or a sore that does not heal.
• Colour: Redness that appears in sun-exposed areas, or a mole with multiple colours within the same patch.

Also remember patterns that are more common in Asian skin. Check your soles, palms, and nails—any new or changing pigmented patch, especially if it is asymmetrical or evolving, should be assessed.

• I don’t need sunscreen indoors: UVA can penetrate windows, and there may also be low-level UV exposure from certain indoor lighting.
• Once a day is enough: In humid Singapore, sweating—together with friction and outdoor exposure—means sunscreen can wear off. Reapply through the day for more comprehensive coverage.
• Men don’t need SPF: Both men and women are affected by sun exposure and are at risk of skin cancer.
• Sunscreen use is cosmetic: Sun protection is not just a “nice-to-have”. Daily sunscreen use and physical protection measures are important preventive steps for skin cancer risk reduction.

• Daily: Sunscreen should be a staple of everyone’s skincare routine. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. If you are outdoors, reapply regularly, and use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Monthly: Incorporate self-checks into your monthly routine. Look out for new pigmented patches, moles, or non-healing wounds on your skin, including areas like your palms, soles, and nails.
• Annually (or every 6–12 months, depending on risk): Find a dermatologist you can trust and book a routine skin check. Go earlier if you have a concern. If you have a family history of skin cancer, or an evolving skin growth, see a dermatologist for review and discuss an appropriate follow-up schedule.

Healthy skin starts with a routine. Prevention is always better than cure, and the skin you wear says a lot about your habits. Start with an achievable routine and develop a preventive plan with a dermatologist you trust—that might be the best New Year’s resolution you can make.

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