WestDerm

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. 

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.

We get it. You have a lot going on, you don’t think you have any skin changes, and you may not be exactly thrilled with having someone else inspect your skin. However, this simple and fast check could be the one thing standing between you and your health. Skin cancer can easily go unnoticed, especially if it’s in a less visible part of your body. Don’t gamble your health–get your skin check on the books!

 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what you should expect during your skin check appointment, we’ve got you covered. As part of our Check + Protect initiative, we want you to be as informed as possible so you can continue making the best decisions for your health! If you’ve never had a skin check before, you may be surprised at just how easy it is. 

 

Let’s kick this off by talking about what you should do before your skin check exam. Take a few minutes to give yourself a thorough self-exam so you can let your dermatologist know about any changes that you may have noticed. 

 

Make sure that you check every nook and cranny (and yes, we mean that literally!). Some spots that should be on your radar:

·      Behind your ears

·      Under your arms

·      Throughout your scalp

·      Between your buttocks

 

It’s a good idea to use a full-length mirror as well as a hand mirror to get a full view of those hard-to-reach places. If you notice any new spots or blemishes, growths, or itching and bleeding, make sure that you let your dermatologist know. Some of these things aren’t anything to worry about long-term, but any changes in your skin should be reported. 

 

Your dermatologist will start your skin exam by asking some questions about any changes you’ve noticed recently or over a period of time. Next, your dermatologist will start examining your body completely to take a closer look at any changes you’ve noticed, as well as making sure that they don’t identify anything concerning. Remember, dermatologists are medical professionals, and they are skilled in handling this exam with your comfort and care in mind. 

 

The entire process takes about 10 minutes but could take longer if your dermatologist needs to take a closer look at anything worrisome if found. Your dermatologist will take special care to notice any of the following:

·      Irregular borders

·      Changes over time

·      Size of moles

·      Color

 

If your dermatologist discovers a mole, the next step may be to have further testing done, including a biopsy. This test will determine if the mole is cancerous. If the mole is cancerous, then you’ll move forward with an appropriate treatment plan. This is why early detection is so important!

 

If you’ve been putting off your skin check, it’s time to get it scheduled! The entire process is done and over within a matter of minutes, and it could very well make a difference in your overall health. The sooner we can identify any issues, the sooner we can tackle them head-on! If you have any other questions or would like to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and book an appointment! 

The weather is warming up and people are ready to get back out into the world! Just remember, you need to be mindful of your skincare needs. The most important part of proper skincare is making sure you Check and Protect Your Skin. Getting your skin checked by your dermatologist every year is very important, along with being proactive in protecting it against diseases and cancers.

 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder of the importance of annual skin checks. It’s the perfect month to focus on your skin because people are finally getting back to their lives and spending more time outdoors. As you slip on your swimsuit, shorts, and short-sleeve tops, remember that your skin still needs proper protection! Read on for our tips on how to sun safely.

 

Skin cancer is very common, and there are over 5 million cases diagnosed each year. However, it’s also important to note that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers by ensuring that you receive proper yearly screenings and get your skin checked by a dermatologist. 

·      Early detection is key for all forms of cancer but can be especially helpful when it comes to skin cancer.

·      The earliest warning signs for skin cancer may not be easily identifiable, but a skilled dermatologist will know what to look for.

·      Plus, there are several parts of the body that you simply can’t see well enough. Taking the extra step to schedule a skin check will ensure that your skin is healthy and that you have no early warning signs of cancer. Be proactive in your health and schedule your appointment today!

As we move into the warmer, sunnier months of the year, it’s a good idea to create some goals for your skin. While you should certainly work to properly cleanse and hydrate your skin, remember to go the extra mile to protect it, too. Here are a few quick tips:

·      Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply as directed

·      Seek shade when possible, but especially during the peak sunlight hours between 10 AM-2 PM

·      Avoid tanning, including indoor tanning beds

·      Wear proper clothing, hats, and sunglasses

·      Do skin self-exams each month, and notify your doctor of any changes

·      Wear sunscreen and remember to reapply as directed. Click below to shop our assortment of sunscreens, all 20% off all month long!

Need to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist? There’s no better time than now to book your annual skin check right before the busy summer months are here. Contact our office today to celebrate Skin Cancer Awareness Month the right way–with your annual exam. 

***Fast Facts About Skin Cancer***

·      1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they reach 70 years old.

·      Repeated sunburns increase your risk of developing melanoma

·      Melanoma five-year survival rate is 99% if detected early

·      90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 85% of melanoma cases are linked to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun

Tanning may have seemed harmless when you were young, but as you got older, you realized it came at an expense, namely wrinkles, sunspots, and possibly skin cancer. If you tanned over your lifetime, there’s no need to feel guilty. Plenty of people did it and it was popular for quite some time. You, or people around you, may have taken all types of steps to achieve bronzed skin. Whether you baked outside with foil reflectors and baby oil or frequently visited the tanning salon (if that’s you, know that you are not alone!)…it’s time for a skin check. 

  

If you took those actions back in the day, fast forward to 2022, and that’s a substantial amount of accumulated sun damage. Many people who started tanning decades ago are now experiencing the negative impact of skin cancer. Although skin cancer sounds scary, it’s also highly treatable when caught early. 

  

What are the Risk Factors for Developing Skin Cancer? 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and it can occur anywhere on the body. The main risk factors for skin cancer are exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, fair skin that burns quickly, a history of sunburns, and a family history of skin cancer. While anyone can develop skin cancer, it is more common in people over 50. People with lighter skin color are also at greater risk of developing skin cancer. 

  

How Can You Tell if You Have Skin Cancer? 

If you’re concerned about skin cancer, there are a few things you can look for to determine if you might have the condition. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change in the color, size, shape, or feel of a mole or other spot on the skin. You should also watch out for new lesions or growths on the skin and sores that don’t heal. If you notice any of these changes, it’s essential to see a doctor for a diagnosis. 

  

What are the Different Types of Skin Cancer? 

There are several different types of skin cancer, and each one has its own unique set of symptoms. The most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and it can be deadly if not treated early. 

 

How Can You Prevent Skin Cancer from Happening? 

You can do many things to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. The most important is to protect yourself from UV radiation by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours. You should also avoid tanning beds and check your skin regularly for any changes that might be signs of cancer. 

Conclusion 

Skin cancer is a serious disease, but it’s also highly treatable when caught early. Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, so it’s essential to protect yourself from UV radiation. Prevention is key, so avoid tanning beds, use sunscreen, and avoid sun exposure when possible.

If you’re concerned about skin cancer, schedule an appointment with one of our West Dermatology providers today. 

Your skin is an amazing organ. In addition to being beautiful, your skin performs a series of vital functions. It regulates your body temperature, protects you from potentially harmful pathogens, detects environmental changes like intense heat or cold, and prevents water loss. It can also grow thick and luxurious hair! 

However, sometimes the first signs of serious illness appear on the skin. 

The most common form of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. While the overwhelming majority of cases are nonmelanoma skin cancers that aren’t typically life-threatening, a significant portion can become very serious. 

Early detection is the best tool for assuring good outcomes. Additionally, if abnormalities are detected quickly, you are less likely to require invasive, lengthy rounds of treatment. 

A routine 30-minute skin check at West Dermatology could alert you to potentially significant skin changes, from easily treatable skin disorders to more serious conditions like cancer. 

If you have been putting off a skin exam, here are a few facts about skin cancer that highlight the importance of routine screenings. 

According to a study published in 2010, approximately one-fifth of all Americans will have some type of skin cancer by the age of 70. 

There are three common forms of skin cancer: 

Malignant melanoma at its earliest stage is called melanoma in situ, or stage 0 noninvasive melanoma. This stage means the tumor is localized and exists only at the epidermis (the very top skin layer)

Stage I melanoma is still localized but has become invasive and has spread below the top layer of skin. At stages 0 and I, skin cancer has a survival rate of more than 98 percent. 

Once the cancer cells move beyond the localized stage more than 2 centimeters from the original tumor, it is called in-transit melanoma, or stage II melanoma. In-transit melanoma has a survival rate of approximately 62 percent. 

If the cancer progresses, it can spread to surrounding tissues and possibly the lymphatic system. When it spreads to the lymph nodes, the cancer cells can be carried to the organs and throughout the body. When cancer reaches the lymph nodes, it is considered stage III melanoma. Sadly, the 5-year survival rate drops considerably at stage III, particularly if it has spread to distant organs. 

Approximately 1% of all cases of skin cancer are invasive melanoma. Malignant melanoma can go from noninvasive to invasive in a manner of weeks. 

While a skin cancer diagnosis is scary, discovering an abnormality quickly could add decades to your life and preserve the health and appearance of your skin. In addition to having regular skin checks by a dermatologist, a routine home skin check will alert you to any potential concerns. 

You’ve probably heard (or used) the expression: “I know that like I know the back of my hand.” But how well do you really know the back of your hand? Or the backs of your knees, for that matter? 

We might think that we are familiar with our own skin, but subtle changes are easy to miss. Also, a change that might seem unimportant – something we misidentify as a bruise or insect bite – could be something more sinister. 

A 30-minute full-body skin check is a crucial early skin cancer detection solution. Here are some tips for performing a basic skin check at home. In addition to doing self-checks, scheduling an examination at West Dermatology will alert you to changes that could save your life. 

West Dermatology offers expertise, experience, and technological innovations that deliver extremely accurate assessments and exceptional outcomes. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care tailored to our patients’ unique needs. 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month; isn’t it a good time to take control of the health of your skin? You can keep your skin strong, supple, and healthy with the right care. Schedule an appointment at with us today. 

As spring rains clean nature, let’s do the same for any tools, pillowcases, and masks that touch our face. They’ve built up quite a layer of gunk over the winter, so now is the time to get them sparkling clean again. And while we’re at it, let’s replace our old products, too. Fresh tools and products will help us spring into the new season knowing we’re ready to face anything that comes up.   

  

Wash Your Tools  

Bacteria, yeast, and fungus can build up on brushes and sponges, not to mention the rainbow of caked-on colors and oils. Spring is the perfect time to clean your makeup tools. Use warm water and a brush cleanser or gentle soap to wash them.    

 

Change Your Pillowcase   

It’s time to wash your pillowcase if it’s been a week since you last did so. Here’s why: a dirty pillowcase can lead to a breakout especially if you have sensitive skin or are acne-prone.  

  

Toss Synthetic Face Coverings  

Throw away any face coverings you have that are made from synthetics like rayon, nylon, and polyester. These fabrics can cause skin irritation and breakouts. Replace them instead with a breathable, natural fiber like cotton.   

  

Edit Your Makeup  

Spring is the perfect time to edit your makeup collection. Toss cracked or old makeup, like powder compacts or mascara that’s more than a few months old. Throw away anything that’s worn-out, dirty, or expired. Also, get rid of products you don’t use because they don’t look good on your skin tone. You’ll be left with an edited makeup collection that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. Just remember also to clean up your makeup bags.   

  

Freshen Your Makeup Bags  

Now’s the time to freshen your makeup bags and containers. If you’re cleaning up what’s inside them, it only makes sense to clean them too. Most makeup bags can be turned inside out and thrown into the washing machine. If yours is delicate, hand wash it with a gentle cleanser. If your makeup bag is beyond cleaning, chuck it and buy a fresh one.   

  

Replace Old Sunscreens   

Head into the spring season with a full-potency sunscreen that’s ready to do its job to protect your skin from UV rays. Did you know last years’ sunscreen may be too weak to protect your skin? That’s because it expires after the “use by” date that’s printed on the container. So, check your bottles of sunscreen and refresh them if you need to. We recommend EltaMD UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ if you need sunscreen.    

  

Schedule a Skin Check  

The start of a new season calls for a shift in gears and while swapping out heavy winter face creams for lightweight formulas is advised, it’s sometimes so much more than that. That’s where we come in. Schedule a skin check with us today and we can help give you customized advice that is specific to you and your skin type. We are here to help refresh your skin for the seasons ahead.

If you’ve admired someone’s glowy skin lately, chances are they’re benefiting from the beautifying effects of vitamin C. You can have that glow, too! You just need to kick it up a notch with a great serum and good nutrition. Let’s do this together in honor of Vitamin C day this month.  

 

You need vitamin C from a topical serum (and food) to protect your cells from free radicals. Your body produces these molecules when it’s exposed to damaging things like too much sun, smog, and stress. Free radicals wreak havoc on cells, they contribute to dull skin, wrinkles, and premature aging. Vitamin C’s antioxidant powers protect you from these free radicals.

 

Vitamin C helps repair your skin by stimulating collagen production. This precious protein makes your skin supple and radiant. It also evens out your skin tone. So, if you have age spots or freckles, vitamin C keeps them from getting darker by blocking a key melanin-producing enzyme. It also blocks some of the sun’s harmful rays. Check out these helpful

 

This powerful vitamin is one of the most popular skincare ingredients because it’s an amazing (ANTI)oxidant. We all know that a freshly sliced apple will turn brown as it begins to interact with the air and oxidize. But did you know that the oxidizing process slows down if the apple is rubbed, and protected with, vitamin C serum? Imagine similar protection for your skin.

 

And don’t forget, not all vitamin C serums are created equal. There are plenty of duds on the market that just don’t work. That’s why it’s so important to use a high-quality serum to get the best results.

 

Think of it this way: Vitamin C is the diva of skincare ingredients. It demands perfection in lighting and temperature to work its magic. Vitamin C serums are easily damaged by air, light, and heat. They can lose their antioxidant properties even while they’re being made, so they’re challenging to formulate and manufacture.

 

Lucky for us, our shop carries Skinceuticals CE Ferulic antioxidant serum, which has published more studies than any other brand. Our dermatologists consider it the gold standard, and we highly recommend it.

 

We’re so passionate about vitamin C serum; it’s one of our top skincare tips for 2021.

 

Eating foods high in vitamin C stimulates collagen production, which benefits your entire body because it repairs tissues and helps burns and cuts heal. It also maintains bone and teeth health. Studies say it can reduce your chance of getting a chronic disease like cancer. Vitamin C consumption even helps your hair grow and prevents split ends.

 

Here’s a quiz for you. Which of the following vegetables contains vitamin C: cabbage, spinach, or potato? If you said all three, you’re right. It’s common knowledge that fruits are high in vitamin C. But fewer people realize that just as much vitamin C is found in most veggies. Try to get the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day to “vitamin see” your best skin ever!

 

If you have any questions about the above information or want more personalized skincare advice, one of our board-certified dermatologists would be happy to see you for an appointment.

If you’re stressed, you’re in good company. These are challenging times for many. Phones ring, doors slam, inboxes fill, and the list goes on. Add in responsibilities at work and home, and you can see why so many of us need to slow down and practice self-care so we can keep our hair full and our complexions clear. April is National Stress Month, so now’s the perfect time to take stock of stress and the effect it has on our health, including our skin and hair.  

 

Skin and Hair 

Stress takes a toll on our skin and hair. It might sound surprising, but it’s true. Stress has been linked to skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and thinning hair. We all want to look and feel our best, which often comes down to our hair and skin looking healthy. But how do we maintain our skin and hair health during stressful times? 

 

How Stress Affects Your Hair 

Stress can cause three different types of hair loss. 

  

Caring For Your Hair 

If you’re under significant stress these days, it helps to use medical-grade haircare products to counter hair loss. These include hair-growth serum and nutritional supplements. 

 

Hair Growth Serum 

You can apply topical products directly to your scalp twice a day. They have ingredients that keep your hair-follicle life cycle growing with a blend of antioxidants and minerals. 

 

Supplements for Hair Growth 

West Dermatology carries products that help support your hair growth from the inside out. These oral supplements come in capsules and include the following quality products from Nutrafol: 

 

Skincare is Self-Care 

Managing stress levels will keep breakouts at bay. So will regular skin care like cleansing and moisturizing. Take your self-care to the next level by having a long, relaxing skin care routine at the end of the day that helps you unwind. Need some tips? Check out our recent blog post about Transitioning Your Skincare to Spring. 

 

Yoga to Relieve Stress 

You can calm the storm inside by hitting the mat and trying yoga. There is a reason people have practiced it for thousands of years. It’s a proven relaxation technique that relieves mental and physical stress by boosting your mood and enhancing your sense of well-being. So, take it one asana at a time, and you’ll see how much it helps you nama-STAY calm. 

  

Since April is National Stress Month, now’s the perfect time to assess your stress levels and the effect it has on your health, including your skin and hair. Remember, skin breakouts and hair loss don’t have to be an inevitable part of stress. Our board-certified dermatologists can help you keep the clearest skin and fullest head of hair possible. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and join the hundreds of other patients enjoying better skin and hair health.