Healthy Tips for Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month! We’re sharing some important information and tips for keeping your skin healthy all year round.
5 Signs to Keep an Eye Out for On Your Skin
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a good reminder to check in on the health of your skin, but it is important to make this a year-round focus. Regular self-skin examinations can alert you to any new or changing skin growths and may aid in the early detection of cancerous or precancerous lesions. If you’re wondering what warrants making an appointment with your dermatologist, here are some warning signs to look out for:
A: Asymmetry
When viewing a mole, it should be symmetrical on both sides. When one half does not match the other half, this is a concerning feature.
B: Border
Benign moles tend to have smooth, round borders. Atypical moles and melanoma can have irregular, uneven appearing borders.
C: Color
Most benign moles are one color. If a mole develops multiple colors to it, or changes color this can be a warning sign of melanoma
D: Diameter
Melanoma is usually greater than 6mm in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser), however, when diagnosed early they can be smaller.
E: Evolving
Any change or evolution of existing moles including size, shape, or color can be a red flag for developing melanoma.
The 3 P’s to Healthy Skin
The best way to keep healthy is by following the “three P’s” approach: protect, product and procedure.
Protect the skin by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Alastin Broad Spectrum Sunscreen which as an SPF of 30.
In terms of product, Dr. Ferrara recommends adding products to your routine that help stimulate the skin, such as SkinBetter AlphaRet. Hydration is important as well and Dr. Ferrara suggests SkinMedica HA Rejuvenating Hydrator for a “skin quencher.”
When it comes to procedures, an entry-level treatment to care for your skin on a regular-basis is a HydraFacial which is good rejuvenation and hydration. For after-sun care, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) has mild resurfacing helps with skin pigment, smoothing skin, and even tightening in some cases.
Skin Concerns?
Our physicians offer comprehensive dermatologic medical, surgical and aesthetic care focusing on overall skin health and wellness. Dr. Ferrara and Dr. Caretti are trainers of physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Our team of certified aestheticians and board-certified dermatologists have advanced training with Allergan, Coolsculpting University, Lumenis, GentleMax Pro, Perfecta, Collagen PIN, SecretRF and HydraFacial.
Call us at 313-884-9100 to schedule an appointment or consultation today!