Spring = Skin Check Season

Before the summer sun cooks your skin and you start to look like your leather handbag, come in for a comprehensive head-to-toe skin check and cancer screening.

At McLean Dermatology, we are committed to providing you with the best dermatologic care – that includes ensuring you and your skin are ready for this, and every, summer.

The rate of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer, has increased in the U.S. at a rapid pace. Why, do you ask? Everybody knows you must live by the rule: apply and reapply!  Proper sun protection - sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, rash guards, and surf shorts – are all must-haves in the sun.

There are so many choices of sunscreens, which one do I buy?

-Look on the bottles for these words: water-resistant, broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher (Ex: Elta MD)

Do I still have to wear sunscreen even when it’s cloudy?

-Yes! The most harmful, UV rays, can pass through windows, clouds, rain, and cement.

If I wear foundation with SPF, is that enough?

-Although it helps, wearing just makeup with a built-in SPF is not strong enough. Make it a habit to put on sunscreen before your makeup.

Outsmart skin cancer with these helpful hints:

Avoid tanning beds

   -Even one tanning session increases your lifetime risk of developing melanoma by 20%!

Apply your SPF in the morning (and REAPPLY!)

   -If you’re out all day and not reapplying sunscreen every 40-80 minutes you’re putting yourself at risk.

Eat your fruits and veggies

   - Leafy greens and citrus fruits guard against UV damage

Perform self-tests

   - Any mole or spot you think might be harmful very well could be. Making an appointment with your dermatologist is the first step to healthy skin.

Do not smoke

   -Up there with tanning beds, smoking in a Class 1 carcinogen.