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Teen Acne and How to Deal with Breakouts 🔴

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If you’re a teen, then it’s likely that you’ve had acne at some point. Not only can acne be uncomfortable, but it can also be a bit embarrassing. If you’ve been struggling, know that you aren’t alone. In fact, 8 out of 10 teens have acne. Even though your friends likely struggle with acne, too, it’s still probably something you want to get a handle on right now when school is out. It’s the perfect time to get your skin prepped and ready for the new school year ahead.
 
And if you’re a parent with a child that is currently experiencing acne, read on for tips on how to help them overcome it.
 
What Causes Teen Acne?
It helps to know why you get acne, so you can also learn how to treat it. Your skin is made of thousands of little pores, and each of those pores contains oil glands. When you hit puberty, you have an increase in a hormone called androgens. The excess of this hormone causes your glands to produce too much oil and your pores to become enlarged. This is the perfect recipe for acne breakouts. 
 
What Can You Do About It?
While teen acne is incredibly common, there are some things you can do to help your skin out. Here are some quick tips for what you should do to help avoid or treat acne.
 
Choose a Mild Cleanser
It’s important to choose a mild cleanser because even though you’ll need to wash your face daily, you definitely don’t want to dry it out. Avoid scrubbing with a cloth or exfoliating brush, and instead, gently wash your face with your fingertips. You want to avoid irritating your skin. We recommend West Dermatology Acne Clearing Cleansing Gel.
Don’t Rely On Over the Counter Medications
Over-the-counter acne medication can work for some people, but if you have a severe breakout, you’re going to need professional help. The severity of your acne will determine which types of treatment are best for you, and you may need a prescription-strength medication.
 
Don’t Skip Moisturizing
It may feel counterproductive to apply moisturizer to a face with breakouts. However, you should never skip moisturizing as your skin needs it for hydration and repair. In fact, some people break out because their skin is not properly hydrated, so make sure that you choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. These terms simply mean that the moisturizer won’t create whiteheads or blackheads that clog your pores. We recommend SkinMedica Ultra Sheet Moisturizer.
Wash Off Your Makeup
Never, ever sleep in your makeup. Doing so will only clog your pores and irritate your skin. Make an effort to go to bed with a clean face every night. 
 
Be Mindful of Your Hair Products
Sometimes people don’t realize that their hair products can also cause an oil buildup on their skin. If you use oily hair products that touch your face, then it is likely that your pores will clog. Choose products that are oil-free, especially those that may come in contact with your skin. 
 
Creating a quality skincare routine that protects you from breakouts is an excellent way to avoid breakouts as much as possible! If you have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment for yourself or for your teen, contact us today for an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists.

What Causes Acne? Tips on How To Treat & Prevent

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All of us experience a few pesky pimples from time to time but what if your case is more severe and considered chronic acne? With June being Acne Awareness Month and 50 million Americans currently affected by the condition, we figured we could shed some light. 
Whether you’re trying to avoid the occasional zit or looking for answers on how to get your acne under control, read on to see what the main causes of it are and learn about treatment options and prevention. 
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a common skin condition, in fact, it’s the most common skin problem in the country. It shows up in the form of anything from red bumps, whiteheads and blackheads, to cysts and nodules. It’s most commonly found on the face but can also appear on shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
According to Medical News Today, dermatologists have identified different factors that can largely impact the appearance of acne:
·     Your skin is producing too much oil: When your skin produces too much, your pores can clog up easier. If you have oily skin, you are more prone because your sebaceous glands in the skin are producing too much sebum, the oily, waxy substance that protects and hydrates the skin
·     You have too many dead skin cells building up in your pores: when dead skin cells accumulate and don’t break away from the skin regularly, they start to collect in your pores/hair follicles. These combined with the body’s natural oils (sebum) can cause the pores to clog, resulting in pimples, whiteheads and blackheads
·     The presence of a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes): when the clogging of your pores builds up too much, they become a breeding ground for the bacteria. This bacteria turns sebum into fatty acids that activate inflammation in nearby skin cells, causing acne.
WAYS TO TREAT & PREVENT
Many methods of treatment and prevention are available to keep acne at bay. Results can differ from person to person and depend on the acne severity level.
For mild to moderate cases of acne (a few blemishes, whiteheads, and/or blackheads), you can use simple over-the-counter medications with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid. 
For severe cases (red, swollen, often painful blemishes consisting of cysts and/or nodules), a variety of treatments can work, this includes prescription-strength topical or oral medications, antibiotics to destroy the acne-causing bacteria, and a variety of light therapies that reduce the presence of P. acne bacteria on the skin.
There are many ways to help prevent acne from popping up in the first place:
·     Wash your face twice daily: it’s important to remove excess oil and sebum from the skin by washing morning and night. Its best to use a mild cleanser to not irritate the skin.
·     Know your skin type: oily skin is the most acne-prone. Combination skin is also prone because it is a mixture of both dry and oily areas. Knowing your skin type will help you choose the right skin care products. If your skin is oily, opt for an oil-free moisturizer. 
·     Use over-the-counter acne treatments: over-the-counter creams and serums can reduce breakouts on the chin, nose, and forehead. Look for products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
·     Reduce stress: stress is not the cause of acne but can certainly make it worse. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, research has shown that when you’re stressed, your body tends to produce more oil-stimulating hormones. Some things you can do to manage your stress levels are to practice yoga, meditate, or use aromatherapy.
We know how acne can impact you, regardless of age. Not only does it affect your skin, but it can also make you self-conscious about your appearance. As your community skin and acne specialists, we’re here to provide support and answer all your questions. 
One of our board-certified dermatologists can help you identify which factors or combinations of factors are causing your acne, and then put you on the appropriate treatment plan. Call us today or book your appointment HERE!

Men’s Health Month & The Importance of Skin Checks

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June is an important time for men because it’s Men’s Health Month! Its main purpose is to bring awareness to health issues and diseases prevalent among men and encouraging early detection and treatment. This also includes skin health! And with it being a time where we are all out in the sun more, it’s very important to consistently check your skin for abnormal moles that could be cancerous or precancerous, especially if you’re over 45.
As we age, the risk for developing skin cancers and other skin concerns increases. And according to a UK study, if you’re diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer between the ages of 45 – 59, your risk for other types of cancer, not just another form of skin cancer, goes up by 74%. Because of this, your health check routine should start by making sure your skin is healthy first. 
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you perform a skin check monthly to help identify any changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. If you do find something atypical, it’s important you see one of our West Dermatology board-certified dermatologists, who are specialists in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. They can then conduct a more thorough in-clinic or telehealth exam to determine whether or not the abnormality is potentially harmful.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHECKING YOUR SKIN FOR SKIN CANCER
First, don’t be alarmed if you find a mole or two (or more). A normal mole is smooth to the touch and has a consistent color, could be brown, black, or tan. It has a consistent border, as well, and is oval or round, and it could have a flat or raised profile.
 
An irregular mole that you should have examined more often has an irregular shape or jagged border. It’s rough to the touch and is often a combination of colors: various shades of brown throughout the lesion or a mixture of red, white, and/or blue.
 
In addition, make sure to check new spots or lesions, or look for older ones that have changed in color, shape, size, or texture. Also, be on the lookout for atypical sores, lumps, or blemishes, especially ones that crust over, bleed, itch, ooze, and itch as well as cause pain or are tender to the touch.
  
HOW TO PERFORM YOUR OWN SKIN CHECK 
Although you can effectively perform your own skin check any time, doing so at shower or bath time is more convenient because you’ll already be naked. It doesn’t matter if it’s before or after, but looking at as much skin as possible is a must. If available, enlist the help of a partner, as a second pair of eyes is always a good idea to make sure nothing is missed, particularly on the scalp or back.
 
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
  • A good, bright light
  • A full-length mirror
  • A hand mirror
  • Two chairs and/or stools
  • A brush and/or hairdryer
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. Facing the full-length mirror, examine your lips, nose, mouth, forehead, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, underarms, hands, palms, between the fingers, the fronts of the thighs, and the shins. 
  2. Continue by bending your elbows to examine your forearms and the backs of your upper arms.
  3. Standing with your back to the full-length mirror and using the hand mirror, inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, upper back, and any part of your upper arms that you could not clearly view earlier.
  4. Continue in this position by scanning your lower back, buttocks, and the upper part of the back of your legs.
  5. Check your scalp by parting your hair – with a brush and/or hairdryer, if necessary – as well as around and behind your ears.
  6. While sitting on a stool or chair, prop your feet up and check the backs of your calves as well as the tops and bottoms of your feet, including between the toes.
  7. Finally, still sitting, use the hand mirror to examine your genitalia and any parts of the buttocks or upper legs you may have missed.
Be sure to honor Men’s Health Month by making skin checks an important part of your skin health routine. If you find an irregularity or skin change that cannot be explained, contact us immediately to schedule a full, comprehensive skin exam. In addition to performing your skin check monthly, it’s important to schedule an annual skin check with our dermatologists. Don’t wait – it could save your life.

Don’t Sweat it! How You Can Overcome Hyperhidrosis

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Sweating is part of being human. Whether it’s your body’s response to hot temperatures, vigorous physical activity, or nerves, sweating serves a physiological purpose. It helps regulate your body temperature in hot conditions, keeps skin hydrated, and maintains your electrolyte/fluid balance. When you start sweating in response to stressful situations, it’s because your stress levels cause a rise in body temperature, leading to the activation of the sweat glands.
However, sometimes sweating occurs out of proportion to the stimuli. When you routinely soak your clothes in sweat when you aren’t hot, exercising, or stressed, it could be a sign of hyperhidrosis. 
What is hyperhidrosis?
Excessive sweating falls into two categories: primary hyperhidrosis and secondary hyperhidrosis.
Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that has no identifiable medical reason and when there are no contributing environmental factors. 
Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that is a symptom of an underlying medical issue. For example, people experiencing menopausal hot flashes will begin to sweat heavily even if the external temperature is relatively cool. Medical disorders that can cause secondary hyperhidrosis include: 
  • Cancer 
  • Diabetes 
  • Disorders of the central nervous system 
  • Heart attack 
  • Infection 
  • Low blood sugar 
It’s critically important to undergo a screening for the above conditions if you are experiencing heavier-than-normal sweating. Addressing the contributing medical condition will likely resolve the sweating. 
What are the symptoms of hyperhidrosis? 
While hyperhidrosis is the clinical term for excessive sweating, what one person considers excessive might not be bothersome or even noticeable in another. Essentially, if sweating has caused you emotional discomfort or even to avoid social situations, you might be suffering from hyperhidrosis. 
Excessive sweating caused by hyperhidrosis typically occurs on the face, armpits, palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. 
Who is affected by hyperhidrosis? 
Hyperhidrosis occurs in approximately 5% of the population. It is believed to have a genetic component, as the condition commonly occurs in families. Hyperhidrosis typically affects younger people between the ages of 18 and 40. 
If underlying medical conditions have been ruled out and primary hyperhidrosis has been established, there are several treatment options you can explore. 
How can a dermatologist treat hyperhidrosis? 
It is extremely important to undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure no unaddressed medical issues are causing your excessive perspiration. Once it has been established that there is no medical cause, you can choose from a menu of treatment options. 
Your treatment options can vary depending upon the severity of the condition, as well as the location of the sweat (armpits, hands, feet, or face). While there are surgical interventions that might be appropriate in certain severe cases (sweat gland removal, for example), most people respond well to non-invasive or minimally invasive solutions. These include: 
  • Topical prescription-strength antiperspirants. In mild-to-moderate cases, prescription antiperspirants with aluminum chloride might be recommended. This option is a relatively cost-effective solution for people whose perspiration occurs in their armpits or feet. 
  • Oral medications. Certain medications can successfully address hyperhidrosis, such as prescription antidepressants and nerve-blocking medications. 
  • Botox. Targeted Botox (botulinum toxin) injections can effectively inhibit the nerve signals that cause sweat glands to activate. This treatment can last up to one year, and it is FDA -approved for underarm sweating. 
  • Iontophoresis. This treatment uses an electrical current to temporarily paralyze your sweat glands; it is especially effective for people who sweat heavily from the hands and feet. 
  • MiraDry. MiraDry is a non-invasive treatment that permanently destroys your sweat glands. If you struggle with severe underarm perspiration, you might opt for this in-office treatment that eliminates the sweat glands using applications of thermal energy. This intervention can reduce perspiration (and odor) by more than 80% in 12 months. 
The optimal treatment for your hyperhidrosis will depend upon the severity of the condition and the location of the aggressive perspiration. At West Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists will help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs. 
If you are ready to seek treatment for excessive perspiration, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at the practice near you. 

Traveling? ✈️ Adapt your skincare routine to your destination

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Here’s one thing the travel guides won’t tell you: Your skin may feel very different at your destination than it does at home. The products in your regular routine might suddenly leave your complexion feeling oily or dry. Before you board the plane or pile into the car for your next vacation, read up on how your skin might react to a new environment. Then, pick up whatever you may need to acclimate to your temporary home—in FAA-friendly bottles, of course.
We’re here to make the research a little easier for you. Read on for some simple tips on adjusting your skincare routine for common travel destinations.
> In a tropical climate, like Cancún: The high heat and humidity could leave your skin feeling greasy, so pack a clarifying cleanser and lightweight moisturizer to minimize shine and breakouts.
> In a mild humid climate, like the Hamptons: You’re likely to sweat more in a humid environment, even if it’s not super warm, so make sure to pack waterproof sunscreen and makeup, if you wear it.
> In a hot, dry climate, like Palm Springs: When there’s almost no moisture in the air, your skin can dry out, accelerating signs of aging. To counteract the dry environment, use a gentle cleanser and a heavyweight moisturizer, so your skin stays hydrated and fresh.
> In a mountain climate, like Mammoth or Tahoe: A higher elevation means dryness and much more UV exposure, so choose an emollient sunscreen and reapply every two hours. This step is especially important if you have a high risk of skin cancer, so don’t skip it!
> Anywhere: Daily sunscreen use minimizes your skin cancer risk and slows signs of aging, so it’s a must wherever you are. Pick heavier formulas for dry locales and lighter formulas for humid locales.
Pack us in your suitcase and take us with you. For your convenience, we have a variety of skincare products and regimens in our offices and online at shop.westdermatology.com that can be customized to your skin type. Our sunscreens are even 20% OFF this month (June 2022) to help you pack and prepare for your next summer vacation.
If you have any questions about customizing your skincare routine to the climate, just make an appointment before you go, and one of our dermatologists will talk you through it. Bon voyage and safe travels!

How to Do an At-Home Skin Check

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In between your visits with us, did you know you can keep an eye on your own skin by checking yourself from the comfort of your own home?
 
Here’s how to perform an at-home skin check:
 
Examine your body in a full-length mirror. Check the front and back of your body, and use a handheld mirror to see your blind spots. Don’t forget to stand to the side and raise your arms to get a complete look at your entire body. 
 
Areas to make sure that you check:
·      Bend your elbows and look closely at your underarms, forearms, and palms.
·      Check the backs of your legs, in between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
·      Take a look at your scalp and neck (don’t forget to use your handheld mirror!).
·      Don’t forget to evaluate your back, buttocks, and private areas. 
 
Now that you’ve completed your skin self-check, you’re probably wondering what you should do if you spot a mole. The truth is, not every mole is worrisome. There are some stark differences between regular moles and skin cancer. When in doubt, follow ABCDE guidelines for what could mean that you have a form of skin cancer.
 
Your mole may be cancerous if the following occurs: 
·      A is for Asymmetry: The mole is not the same size on both sides. 
·      B is for Border: The borders are jagged, uneven, and irregular. 
·      C is for Color: Color is inconsistent. 
·      D is for Diameter: The size of the mole is 6mm or more. However, melanoma doesn’t always start out small but may grow over time. 
·      E is for Evolving: Your mole may be cancerous if it changes size, shape, or color over time. 
 
At-home skin checks are a great first step, but it’s always important to follow-up with a board-certified dermatologist to get a thorough second glance. Don’t leave it to guesswork because your health depends on it. 
 
Book your skin check with us to make sure your skin is healthy and cancer-free. You deserve that peace of mind!

ABCDE’s of Skin Cancer

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Just as you learned the ABCs in school to help you read and write, the ABCDEs of melanoma can help you identify possible skin cancer. These simple rules are easy to remember and could save your life. A is for Asymmetry. B is for Border. C is for Color. D is for Diameter, and E is for Evolving. Familiarity with this list will go a long way to help you detect cancer early, so let’s look at each of these categories.
A is for Asymmetry 
Our skin is made up of cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. Melanin also helps to protect our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. However, when melanocytes become damaged, they can begin to grow out of control. This can lead to the development of a type of skin cancer called melanoma.
One way to check for signs of melanoma is to look for asymmetry. Normally, a spot on our skin is symmetrical, meaning that if you were to divide it in half, the two halves would look the same. However, with melanoma, one half may look different than the other. This can be a sign that the cancerous cells are growing out of control. While asymmetry is just one sign of melanoma, it’s an important one to be aware of.
B is for Border 
When it comes to melanoma, B is for Border. That’s because changes in the color of a mole or spot can be a sign of melanoma. One important thing you can do to check for skin cancer is to look for changes in the border of a mole or spot. Healthy moles and spots have well-defined borders, while moles with cancerous cells tend to have blurry or jagged edges. 
C is for Color 
Most of us have several moles and spots on our skin. While they’re usually nothing to worry about, it’s essential to keep an eye on them in case they start to change color because this can be an early warning sign of skin cancer. 
If you’re not sure how to check your moles and spots properly, don’t worry – it’s easy if you use a mirror. First, use a full-length mirror to examine your body from head to toe. Next, use a hand mirror to look at any spots you’re concerned about. Check for changes in color – look for anything that is darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. Also, look for spots that contain multiple colors. These can be anything from red, white, and blue to tan, brown or black. 
D is for Diameter 
Melanoma spots are typically large and greater than 6mm in diameter. So, if you see a spot on your skin that is larger than a pencil eraser, it’s worth getting it checked out by a dermatologist. 
E is for Evolving 
When it comes to checking for melanoma, it’s vital to be proactive. Be sure to keep an eye out for spots that are evolving. This means they are growing or changing rapidly or look different from other spots near them. Do you notice any changes in the shape, color, or size of a spot? If so, be sure to have it professionally checked. 
Look for spots everywhere, including between your toes. 
Melanoma can occur anywhere on your body. This includes places that don’t get a lot of sun exposure. So, it’s important to check for spots between your toes and on the soles of your feet.  
What to do if you notice a suspicious spot on your skin 
If you notice a suspicious spot on your skin, it’s important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. That’s because spotting cancer early makes it easier to treat. Dermatologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat skin conditions, so they are the best medical professionals to consult if you have any concerns about your skin. 

Accidental Sun Damage: How 5 Minutes of Incidental Sun Exposure Raises Skin Cancer Risk

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Think you don’t need sunblock indoors? Think again! That sly old sun can cause long-term damage even when you don’t realize you’re soaking up rays.  
 
Sure, you slather on the sunscreen before heading out to the beach, the park, the pool, or when you enjoy a lovely meal outdoors. But what about when you have an indoor schedule? If you don’t bother with the SPF, you could still be vulnerable to UVA rays. 
 
How is that possible? Can the sun penetrate walls? 
 
If you’re entombed in a windowless space without a scrap of natural light, then (and only then) you might be okay without sunblock. But unless you’re literally living in an underground lair, you’re probably going to have to face the sun eventually, and even brief unprotected exposure can cause problems down the line. This phenomenon is known as incidental sun exposure. 
 
What is Incidental Sun Exposure? 
Incidental sun exposure is any brief exposure to the sun or sun exposure that seems inconsequential. For example, if you work in an environment with lots of natural light, you’re experiencing incidental sun exposure because the windows don’t block UVA radiation. UVA radiation causes skin damage and premature aging. It can also lead to certain skin cancers, even if it doesn’t cause sunburn. 
  
You can also experience incidental sun exposure in the following ways: 
  
  • Driving 
  • Walking to the corner store and back home 
  • Walking your dog 
  • Sitting in shady spots 
  • Being outside on cloudy days 
  
So, even a brief trip outdoors during daylight hours is incidental sun exposure. 
  
How Does Incidental Sun Exposure Harm You? 
Even if you don’t get sunburn from incidental sun exposure, UVA rays can lead to certain skin cancers over the long term, most notably basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Just five minutes of daily unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB rays can raise your risk. 
  
However, incidental sun exposure can sometimes be severe. It’s not uncommon to be sunburned while staying in the shade, and only five sunburns can double your risk of malignant melanoma. Also, one study found that approximately 74 percent of malignant melanoma appeared on the left side of men, corresponding with sun exposure while driving. 
 
However, with a little vigilance, you can keep your skin healthy!  
 
Tips For Getting Maximum Sun Protection 
Don’t let accumulated incidental sun exposure jeopardize the health of your skin! Here’s what you can do to keep your skin healthy: 
 
  • Make sunscreen application your default setting. There are some great sunscreens on the market – light as a feather and with fantastic moisturizing properties, too. When you go about your morning routine, simply apply sunscreen as you would any moisturizer or skincare product, regardless of whether you plan on spending time outdoors or not. 
  
  • Get UV filters for your car windows. Sun protection in the car is often overlooked. While most windshields have UV filtering properties, the side windows might not. If you spend a lot of time in your car, you’ll want to invest in UV-blocking films. This precaution not only helps to protect your skin; some filters can also help keep your car cooler, too. 
  
  • Have a long-sleeve cover-up handy. It’s not always comfortable wearing long-sleeved clothing in the sweltering heat. Nevertheless, try to have a lightweight long-sleeved shirt designed for UV protection on-hand for times when you have to venture outdoors or spend time in your car.  
  
  • Make wide-brimmed hats your fashion trademark. Everyone wore hats in the olden days – it might be time to bring them back for the sake of our skin! While front-brim hats (like baseball caps or newsie caps) can protect your face from the sun, your neck and ears remain exposed. The best hats are dark and tightly knit – if you can see through the hat, it won’t protect you. 
  
  • Get your skin checked. Regular trips to your dermatologist for skin checks are the best weapon against skin cancer. Early detection can save your skin and your life. 
  
If you’ve experienced years of accumulated incidental sun exposure, your best bet is to have your skin evaluated by a qualified dermatologist. Schedule an appointment with us today. 

How Skin Cancer Can Affect All Skin Types

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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it can affect you whether you have light, medium, or the darkest skin tones. 
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. While fair skin tones are most at risk for sunburns and skin cancer, we are all exposed to UV rays which puts us all at risk for developing skin cancer, no matter our skin tone. Yes, even those that tan easily and never burn can develop skin cancer. 
 
What causes skin cancer? 
Too much UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. When your skin gets excess UV from exposure to the sun, the cells in your skin can change. Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably. This happens because of damage to DNA that isn’t repaired, which causes the cells to mutate and multiply quickly. 
  
What is your skin type and why is it important to know?  
We use the Fitzpatrick scale which is a tool used to assess your risk of skin cancer based on your skin type. It rates two things: the amount of pigment in your skin and how your skin reacts to the sun. It can also indicate how likely you are to develop skin cancer. What’s your Fitzpatrick skin type? Take the quiz here. 
 
What are the risk factors involved in people with lighter skin developing skin cancer? 
People with light skin are susceptible to skin cancer because they have less melanin in their skin. Melanin is a pigment that helps to protect the skin from UV radiation damage. The less melanin someone has, the more likely they are to develop sun damage and skin cancer. People with red hair, freckles, and/or blue eyes are especially vulnerable to UV radiation. 
  
What are the risk factors involved in people with darker skin developing skin cancer? 
Certain risk factors make people of color vulnerable to skin cancer. There is a common myth out there that those with naturally tan or darker skin tones are not as at risk, leading them to be less likely to wear sunscreen or take other preventative measures to protect themselves. Did you know that Bob Marley died at just 36 years old from skin cancer? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, he had “acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a serious, rare disease that is also the most common form of melanoma in people with darker skin tones.” 
  
Tips to prevent skin cancer for people of ALL skin types 
Skin cancer rates are on the rise in the US, and people of all skin colors can develop skin cancer. The good news is that there are steps that everyone can take to help prevent skin cancer.  
  
Shade 
No matter your skin tones, it is important to seek out shade when spending time outdoors, as UV rays can be most damaging during those midday hours. 
  
Clothing 
Wearing protective clothing, like hats and long-sleeved shirts, can also help to shield the skin from harmful rays. 
  
Sunscreen 
Regardless of skin color, everyone should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it regularly throughout the day. 
  
Treatment options for skin cancer 
The good news is that there are many effective treatments available, and our dermatologists will work with you to create a plan that is tailored to your unique needs. 
 
It’s important to know that everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer, no matter their skin tone or type. If you have any concerns about skin cancer, we are here to help. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to get the care you need. With the right treatment plan, you can benefit from many more years of good health and great skin. 

Ways to Protect Yourself Against Skin Cancer 🚫

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In our effort to encourage you to Check & Protect Your Skin this month in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we recommend the healthy habits below to help ward off illness—and potentially prolong your life. Each habit is simple enough to adopt in a day, so you can set yourself up for healthier skin any time. 
 
1. Avoid peak sun hours: Try to stay inside when the sunlight is strongest, which is usually between about 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you do go outside, seek shade cover.
 
2. Cover your skin with clothing: Keep your arms and legs covered, if you can manage to do that without overheating! For extra protection, choose clothes with ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF (it’s like an SPF for fabric).
 
3. Wear a hat and sunglasses: With these two accessories, you can protect your eyes, head, and neck. Be sure the sunglasses filter out both UVA and UVB rays!
 
4. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30+: If you’ve followed our practice for a while, you’ve come to expect this piece of advice from us! We recommend wearing sunscreen every day, whether the skies are overcast or bright, on any exposed skin to reduce UV damage.
 
5. Keep sunscreen in a cool place: Sunscreen loses some of its effectiveness when it overheats, so try to avoid keeping it in your car. Make sure that you carry it with you in a pocket or in your bag. 
 
6. Apply an SPF lip product: Slathering sunscreen lotion on your lips probably sounds unpleasant, but that’s no reason to skip over your mouth—the skin there is as important as skin anywhere else! Pick a lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of 30+ for optimal protection. Make sure to swipe some on before leaving the house. To make it easier for you, we’re offering SPF lip balm in our offices all month long!
 
7. Avoid tanning beds: These beds measurably raise your risk of skin cancer, even with just one use. The idea that a “base tan” keeps skin safe is a harmful myth! If you’re looking for a safer bronzed glow, opt for a sunless tanner.
 
8. Do not sunbathe: Even after applying sunscreen, it’s not safe to lie around and soak in the sun’s rays. The UV exposure still raises your risk of skin cancer. 
 
9. Do a monthly self-check: Examine yourself, head to toe, for any spots with irregular borders, bleeding spots, or growing spots. If you have questions or concerns about anything you see, make an appointment to see your dermatologist. 
 
10. Don’t rely on sunscreen pills alone: While sunscreen pills can be helpful, they’re best when used alongside SPF creams and lotions.
 
If you have any questions on the tips above, or you want more personalized advice, just make an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists. We’ll work together to protect your skin and defend your health.