May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
Follow these tips below to minimize damage to your skin, lower your risk of skin cancer, and optimize youthful appearance.
Yearly Full Body Skin Cancer Screening
There is no better time than NOW to schedule your skin exam and encourage your loved ones to do the same. A simple full skin exam, performed by an experienced Board Certified Dermatologist, could save your life. Skin cancer is on the rise. The incidence of melanoma has doubled in the last three decades in the United States and is one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially young women. Be proactive.
Seek Shade and Wear a Hat
If you have the option, sit in the shade. Find an umbrella at the pool or shaded area under a tree when possible. Limit sun exposure during peak hours from 10am-4pm. Some of the best pool and beach time can be enjoyed early in the day or evening. Find a hat you love, preferably one with a wide brim, and don’t leave home without it. Keep an extra one in your car, just in case.
Don’t forget the SPF
Sunscreen should sit next to your toothbrush. It is that important! Use a broad-spectrum UVA/ UVB sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF daily. Don’t skimp when its cloudy or winter. The UV exposure adds up and your skin will thank you. Physical blocking sunscreens, such as Elta MD, are fantastic zinc and titanium dioxide sunscreens great for everyday year-round use.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are bad news. Period. Tanning bed use not only drastically increases your risk of skin cancer, but also causes premature aging of the skin. They do not give you a “base tan” or protect your skin in any way. Avoid them!
Cleanse, Retinol, Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid
In addition to your daily SPF, a retinol at night and a Vitamin C in the morning will work together to fight damaging free radicals and accelerate skin turn over. This combination will fight sun damage and keep your skin youthful and radiant. Not all retinols and vitamin C’s are created equal, and individual skin type is important when selecting these products. An appropriate cleanser and topical hyaluronic acid will maximize anti-aging efficacy. See your dermatologist for guidance.
H20
Drink up! Ample daily water intake helps your body perform at a higher level. It aids in absorption of nutrients, metabolism, and the ridding the body and skin of toxins. A minimum of eight 8 ounce glasses daily should be your goal, more if exercising intensely.
Select your Expert Wisely
It is very important to research the qualifications and education of your skin expert. Board Certified Dermatologists are trained to recognize pathology of the skin in its early stages and are equipped to treat not only skin cancer, but thousands of other skin conditions. Dermatologists have special interest in maintaining natural and youthful appearing skin for their patients. We are the experts in at-home skin regimens as well as in – office procedures including neuromodulators like Botox, fillers, laser treatment, microneedling and chemical peels. We are prepared to deal with complications and are plugged into a network of experienced colleagues nationally should a unique situation arise where collaboration for top-notch patient care is necessary. —
Monique Kademian, MD
Skin Dermatology and Aesthetics
2100 Marble Cliff Office Park
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.299.7546