What are the fundamental recommendations for basic skin care, including gentle cleansing, moisturization, and photoprotection?

Basic Skin Care Guidelines

The foundation of effective skin care consists of three essential pillars: gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and fragrance-free products, immediate moisturization after cleansing, and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF ≥15 applied to all exposed skin. 1, 2, 3

Cleansing Practices

Water Temperature and Technique

• Wash with lukewarm or cool water only—avoid hot and very cold water, as these disrupt the skin barrier 1
• Cleanse for at least 20 seconds using gentle, non-frictional motions 1
• Pat dry gently without rubbing to minimize mechanical irritation 1

Product Selection

• Choose soaps or synthetic detergents devoid of allergenic surfactants, preservatives, fragrances, or dyes 1
• Look for synthetic detergents with added moisturizers to counteract the drying effects of cleansing 1
• Antibacterial ingredients are unnecessary for proper hygiene and may increase irritation risk 1

Critical Timing

• Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing while skin is still slightly damp—this is non-negotiable for maintaining barrier function 1

Moisturization Strategy

Product Packaging and Application

• Use tube-packaged moisturizers rather than jars to prevent contamination from repeated dipping 1
• Carry pocket-sized moisturizers for frequent reapplication throughout the day 1
• For severely dry skin, apply moisturizer at night followed by cotton or loose plastic gloves to create an occlusive barrier 1

Enhanced Hydration Protocol

• For persistent dryness: soak hands/affected areas in plain water for 20 minutes, then immediately apply moisturizer to damp skin nightly for up to 2 weeks 1

Formulation Considerations

• Water-based moisturizers are safe under all glove types and appropriate for oily or acne-prone skin 1
• Oil-based moisturizers can degrade latex and rubber materials 1

Photoprotection: The Non-Negotiable Component

Daily Sunscreen Application

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB protection) with SPF ≥15 every morning to all exposed skin areas, regardless of season 2, 3, 4
• Apply approximately 30 minutes before sun exposure for optimal absorption into the skin 1, 3
• Use approximately one ounce (a handful) to cover the entire body—most people under-apply 1, 3

Reapplication Requirements

• Reapply every 2-3 hours during prolonged outdoor exposure 1, 3
• Reapply after swimming or strenuous exercise, even with "waterproof" formulations 1, 3
• Healthcare workers and those working outdoors must reapply frequently throughout the day 1, 3

Sunscreen Selection for Different Skin Types

• Acne-prone or oily skin: Use water-based, non-comedogenic formulations without PABA 1, 3
• Sensitive skin: Choose PABA-free products if sensitive to this ingredient 1
• All skin types: Select broad-spectrum protection—this is mandatory, not optional 1, 3, 4

Physical Sun Protection Measures

Sunscreen alone is insufficient—it must be combined with behavioral and physical barriers 1, 3, 4

Time-Based Avoidance

• Minimize sun exposure during peak UV hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., especially the critical window of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. when UV rays are strongest 1, 2, 4
• Seek shade whenever possible, though recognize that shade structures only partially reduce UV exposure due to reflection from surrounding surfaces 1

Protective Clothing

• Wear tightly woven clothing that covers arms, trunk, and legs—fabric construction matters more than fabric type 1, 3
• Darker colors and tighter weaves transmit less UV radiation 1
• Wet or stretched fabric loses protective capacity 1

Head and Eye Protection

• Use wide-brimmed hats (>3-inch brim) or Legionnaire-style hats with ear and neck flaps for comprehensive facial protection 1, 4
• Wear sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB radiation—protection comes from chemical coating, not lens darkness 1
• Combined hat and sunglasses reduce facial UV exposure by 65% 1

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

Sunscreen Misuse

• Never apply sunscreen before phototherapy treatments (PUVA, NB-UVB)—this creates uneven treatment zones and potential burning 1, 3
• Do not use sunscreen to justify prolonged sun exposure—this defeats the protective purpose 1, 4
• Never apply sunscreen to areas meant to be shielded during medical light therapy 1

Tanning Bed Prohibition

• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds entirely—they are classified as carcinogenic and emit UV radiation equivalent to or exceeding midday summer sun 1, 3

Photosensitizing Medications

• Patients on retinoids, tetracyclines, thiazide diuretics, or benzoyl peroxide have increased photosensitivity and require more diligent photoprotection 1, 3
• Those on pantoprazole or similar medications should be specifically counseled about increased sun sensitivity, particularly if fair-skinned 2

Special Considerations for High-Risk Individuals

Emollient Use in Sun-Damaged Skin

• Elderly patients with chronic sun damage benefit from regular emollient use, potentially with additives like urea or salicylic acid 1
• Emollient vehicles alone show modest clearance rates (0-44%) for actinic keratoses, supporting their role in baseline skin maintenance 1

Enhanced Protection Protocol

• Fair-skinned individuals, those with light hair/eye color, or history of easy sunburning require daily photoprotection regardless of outdoor plans 2
• Consider monthly skin self-examinations and annual dermatologist screening for those with significant sun exposure history 4

The Algorithm in Practice

Morning routine: Cleanse with lukewarm water and fragrance-free cleanser → Pat dry → Immediately apply moisturizer to damp skin → Wait 5 minutes → Apply broad-spectrum SPF ≥15 sunscreen 30 minutes before outdoor exposure 1, 3

Throughout the day: Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours if outdoors, after swimming, or after sweating 1, 3

Evening routine: Cleanse gently → Pat dry → Apply moisturizer immediately (consider occlusive barrier with gloves for very dry skin) 1

Behavioral modifications: Avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m.-4 p.m.), wear protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, seek shade, never use tanning beds 1, 2, 3, 4