SKIN HEALTH BASICS
1.
Your doctor may refer to sun damage as photoaging, photodamage or solar damage.
Be prepared for your appointment
Arrive at your appointment with your hair loose and no nail polish.
This umbrella term encompasses many types of cancers, and treatment can involve surgery to remove the cancer cells.
These areas can occasionally itch, bleed and crust over.
Most SCC can be treated and cured.
you might use ABCDE as a guide to assess your skin.
A is for asymmetry; half of the spot is unlike the other half.
B is for border; the spot has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.
C is for color; it has varying colors from one area to the next.
D is for diameter; it is 6 millimeters the size of a pencil eraser or larger.
And E is for evolving; the spot changes in appearance.
If you notice any spots that have changed, talk to your dermatologist.
SUNSCREEN BASICS
5.
UVC rays are blocked by the atmosphere, so we dont have to worry about those.
UVA rays penetrate the most deeply and are present during daylight hours.
UVB rays cause damage to the epidermis and are the chief culprit behind sunburns.
Decipher SPF ratings
SPF stands for sun protection factor.
As a base, use at least SPF 30, which is what most dermatologists recommend.
Its more important to apply sunscreen properly and reapply often.
Both shield your skin from the harmful effects of the suns UV rays.
Mineral sunscreens are also less irritating for sensitive skin.
Chemical and mineral sunscreens both work by absorbing UV rays.
In this case, a mineral sunscreen may be best.
Look for reef-safe ingredients
Youve probably seen reef-safe or reef-friendly labels on sunscreens.
When you swim or shower, this chemical can enter our waterways.
you’ve got the option to use a mirror or get a friend to help with hard-to-reach spots.
