Q. Who is at high risk for skin cancer?
A. Many factors come into play, most being easy to recognize. If your family has a history of skin cancer, you have a fair complexion, or have had prolonged sun exposure, tanning, or burns in the past, your risk is higher than average. We recommend increased and consistent sunscreen use for these individuals, and regular (and simple) skin screenings with the professionals at Moeller Dermatology.
Q. What dangerous signs should I look for when checking my skin?
A. The most important sign to look for are any noticeable changes on the skin, such as the size or color of a mole – especially those areas that have grown or cause discomfort. Also check for highly pigmented growths or spots.
Q. How common is skin cancer? What’s the survival rate?
A. According to the American Cancer Society, there were more than one million total skin cancer cases in the U.S. reported in 2009. This is a large number, however the overall five-year survival rate for melanoma was 91 percent. Prevention and early detection are key to this survival rate, and Moeller Dermatology urges anyone with questionable moles or spots to visit our offices to effectively and immediately address concerns.
The sun is now shining, and you’re eager to be out and about. While stepping into spring’s nice weather you want to make sure your skin looks its best, but more importantly, that it is treated even better. The first rule in protecting your skin from the sun is consistent use of sunscreen, sun protection clothing, and the second is to undo any damage accrued.
Even though it’s not quite time for strong poolside rays, even on warm, cloudy spring days 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through, going straight for your skin. When using sunscreen, apply 20 minutes before going outside to give the ingredients time to activate and then reapply every two – three hours. Apply more often if you are engaging in water activities or activities where you are sweating excessively. And to ease the past damage of harsh rays, The Skin Enhancement Center offers services such as Fraxel® Laser and Sciton Profile Broadband Light to rid dulling damage.
WHAT’S SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of ultraviolet B (UVB) rays protection. The factor ranges from 1 to 45 or above. The SPF of a sunscreen indicates the time period you can stay in the sun without burning based on your skin complexion. While the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 15, we recommend an SPF of 30+ for ultimate protection.
HOW DO I FIND THE BEST SUNSCREEN FORMULA FOR ME?
Store shelves can be home to an endless, daunting assortment of sunscreen brands and formulas. Let the dermatology professionals at The Skin Enhancement Center at Moeller Dermatology point you towards a trusted brand and formula that’s best for you. Blue Lizard®, Skinceuticals® and iS Clinical® are among The Skin Enhancement Center’s top trusted picks.
DEL-RAY DR. XCLUSIVE™
Developed by the trusted Del-Ray Dermatologicals/Blue Lizard’s Sunsreens, Del-Ray Dr. Xclusive™ sunscreen offers intense protection against sunburn brought on by UVA/UVB exposure and helps prevent photo damage. The SPF 30 formula is also available for sensitive skin and the face, making protection easy for any skin type.
SKINCEUTICALS®
This revolutionary line contains Z-Cote, which protects skin from the damaging UVA rays proven to cause premature signs of aging. It uses fewer sunscreen ingredients, reducing the chances of irritation, all while providing true broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
The Skin Enhancement Center at Moeller Dermatology offers all four formulas: Daily Sun Defense 20, Ultimate UV Defense 30, Physical UV Defense 30, Sport UV Defense 45. An office favorite is Sport 45 for active individuals because it offers high moisturizing, and does not sting eyes or leave white streak lines.
IS CLINICAL®
This moisturizing sunscreen offers an SPF 20 and utilizes the latest sunscreen technology for superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The breakthrough formulation offers clinically proven effective levels of powerful antioxidants and assists in the reduction of redness and inflammation associated with UV damage. This product is lightweight and designed to be worn under make up – perfect for everyday wear for ladies.
LAROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS SUNSCREEN
The stand-out ingredient in this water-resistant line of sunscreen is Mexoryl™, a sun filter found in only those sunscreen formulas that are FDA approved. The Anthelios lineup is safe for both children and adults, is non-comedogenic, and provides both UVA and UVB protection. A special benefit? This brand does not leave messy white streaks on the skin.
No matter where you purchase your sunscreen, check bottle labels for these ingredients to ensure you receive maximum protection:
- Z-Cote® or zinc oxide
- Mexoryl®
- Titanium dioxide
- Parsol 1789 or avobenzone
HOW CAN I UNDO SUN DAMAGE?
Although you’re ready to protect your skin this spring (and moving forward), you may not have always defended your skin from sunrays in the past. The first step in following a healthy approach to your skincare is to assess any questionable areas with a professional at The Skin Enhancement Center at Moeller Dermatology, to rule out or treat potential skin disease. After an evaluation, it’s time to get rid of abnormal pigmentation or redness that’s keeping away your optimal healthy spring glow. We offer two laser treatments, proven safe, fast, and effective, in eliminating past sun damage – the Fraxel® Laser and The Sciton Profile Broadband Light.
Fraxel® Laser
This treatment uses pinpoint laser beams to penetrate beneath the skin’s surface to eliminate old, damaged skin cells. Targeting 20–35 percent of the skin’s surface, the laser leaves the remaining areas available to quickly heal the treated areas. The Fraxel treatment is approved for all skin types and is effective in the treatment of brown spots and acne scarring, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. “The Fraxel laser option has a remarkable overnight healing time,” said Dr. Moeller. “That limited downtime is a big benefit for a lot of our clients.”
The Sciton Profile Broadband Light (BBL)
This technology brings a new approach to treating sun-damaged skin, age spots, facial veins and redness. BBL technology utilizes the power of pulsed light to deliver excellent results in photo rejuvenation therapy. An internal cooling mechanism in the hand piece makes treatments more comfortable than traditional pulsed light systems. Any area of your body can be treated. Also used for permanent reduction of unwanted hair on all areas of the body – perfect for baring more skin in the warm weather.
Concluding on introducing sun protection into your skincare routine, Dr. Moeller shared that “achieving great skin and outlining a successful sun protection plan should use a highly personal approach. I encourage all our clients to visit one-on-one with a professional in our offices to map out their road to healthy, glowing skin for spring.”
Call or visit the professionals at The Skin Enhancement Center and find out which treatments and products are ideal for you. With the right treatment, and daily sun protection routine, great skin can be achieved.