By Dermatology Consultants

Skin Cancer Assessment

“Body scan”

“Full body skin exam”

“Skin cancer screening exam”

These names all describe a vital appointment you should have regularly! If you haven’t had a full body skin exam by the age of 30, schedule one soon. Diagnosing skin cancer in both men and women in their 30s is no longer a rare thing. And in general, rates of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma skin cancers are all increasing dramatically.

The risk factors for all skin cancers include any prior sunburns, use of tanning beds, working outdoors, having several moles, and a family history of melanoma. Even if you spent the previous decade avoiding the sun, sun damage from childhood and teenage years can create precancerous or cancerous conditions.

During your appointment for screening, we will make personalized recommendations for how frequently you should have a screening with your dermatologist based on your risk factors. A dermatologist can detect skin cancer early when it may not look like much to you. Early detection saves lives.

For more skin cancer information, visit SkinCancer.org.

Give Collagen a Boost

Collagen gives your skin strength, elasticity and resiliency. Collagen levels often begin to decline in our 20’s and the effects become noticeable in our 30’s. Consider boosting collagen now, before a significant decline begins – at which point it can be hard to regenerate.

Regular use of retinoids (prescription-strength) or retinols (over-the-counter) has been proven to stimulate collagen and is by far the most effective topical treatment. Collagen molecules are too big to make it through the surface of the skin, so any solutions that contain collagen are more than likely not worth your time and money.

We have several in-office procedures that can also increase collagen:

• Fraxel Laser: This laser treatment creates microscopic injuries in the skin, which create new collagen as they heal. It can also lighten brown spots and reduce sun damage.
• Ulthera: Ultherapy utilizes very focused ultrasound waves to create collagen growth and give skin a tightened appearance. Ultherapy results are best when done while skin is only mildly lax (late 30’s to early 40’s).
• Microneedling: As with Fraxel, tiny needles in microneedling make very small injuries to the skin which also boost collagen growth as they heal. Microneedling can also improve skin texture.

Sun Protection, Retinoids & Neurotoxins

Please read skincare in your 20’s – keep these up!