How to keep your skin looking good

With spring’s arrival and summer just around the corner the sunshine is as enticing as ever. But always be aware that those increased hours in the sunlight also deliver increased risk for skin cancer.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and our skin care professionals at Marshall Dermatology encourage everyone to make sure their skin is “Looking Good in 2016” by practicing skin cancer prevention and performing regular skin self-exams.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In fact, it is estimated that more than 8,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and one person dies from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every hour. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of skin cancer and detect it in its earliest stages.

Here are some of my favorite sun-safety tips to make sure your skin is “looking good:”

• Seek shade when appropriate. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Use sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
• Know your skin’s condition. Asking yourself these skin protection and skin cancer prevention questions may be a life-saving decision.
  • When was the last time I took a good look at my skin?
  • Has it been a while since my doctor or I have given it more than a cursory glance?
  • What about those hard-to-see areas, such as my back or the top of my head?