One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70, making it the most prevalent form of cancer. Protection from the sun and harmful ultraviolet rays can keep you from contracting this serious disease. Plus, it reduces the effects sun exposure has on your skin, like wrinkling, age spots, laxity, and thickening.
What follows are some skin-cancer protection tips from our well-known surgeon, Elliott H. Rose, MD.Following his advice could mean you’ll never need our services. If it’s too late and you need treatment and aesthetic repair after a skin cancer diagnosis, contact us here at The Aesthetic Surgery Center on the Upper East Side of New York City, New York.
Just five severe sunburns in your lifetime doubles your chances of developing melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma spreads quickly and can infiltrate internal organs.
The sun is at its strongest between 10am-4pm. Seek shade during these hours and, if you must be outside, use ample sunscreen.
You want a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects you from UVA and UVB rays. It should have an SPF of 15 or higher. Use daily, even in the winter, because the sun is sneaky and causes accumulated damage to your skin cells.
If you plan to be outside for a long period of time, use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Water resistant sunscreen isn’t just for pool or beach time, as it can also keep you protected when you sweat. Apply every 1-2 hours, especially after swimming or lots of sweating.
Protect your scalp and face with a wide-brimmed hat. Your eyes also deserve protection, so wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
If you’ll be spending a long time outdoors, wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs. Choose a light, airy fabric like linen or cotton to stay cool. Seek out clothing with built-in SPF, if possible.
Tanning beds offer up concentrated doses of dangerous UV rays. Tanning in general is an unhealthy habit that could promote the development of skin cancer later in life.This means avoiding tanning outdoors as well.
Examine your skin monthly. Use a mirror to look at discrete areas like between your toes and on your back.
You also benefit from a yearly skin check with your dermatologist. They can identify irregular moles or lesions in parts of your body that you just can’t see.
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, contact us to see how our office can help. We coordinate with Moh’s surgery experts to remove the cancer so that Dr. Rose can then perform any necessary reconstruction and aesthetic improvements. How extensive your procedure needs to be depends on the type and extent of your cancer.
Call The Aesthetic Surgery Center or use the online scheduler to make an appointment at our New York City office.
