How to Embrace Skinimalism, the ‘Less Is More’ Beauty Trend
Medical Review By: Heather Brew, PA-C
Sometimes less is more. Maybe we don’t need to hide our skin under makeup or follow a complicated skin care regimen involving a dozen different products. That’s the thinking behind skinimalism, a minimalist approach to skin care and makeup.
What exactly is skinimalism?
“I think it's about going back to the basics when caring for your skin, but also loving your skin and how it is in everyday life,” said Heather Freeman, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant at Water’s Edge Dermatology. “I think it's avoiding multiple products and layers of makeup, and being true to your authentic self."
That all sounds well and good, and easier on the piggybank to boot, but how can you feel comfortable enough in your skin to pare down your beauty routine and kiss the heavy foundation goodbye? Freeman offered these tips.
Go back to the big three
Start by going back to basics. A basic skincare routine involves exactly three products: a facial cleanser, a moisturizer and sunscreen.
The cleanser removes dirt, makeup and oil and helps keep breakouts at bay. The moisturizer minimizes water loss, which protects skin from irritants in the environment. Broad-spectrum sunscreen guards against UV damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. (Freeman likes zinc and titanium as active ingredients.)
To fight free radicals caused by sun exposure, also consider a cream or serum containing vitamin C. “I personally like to use a vitamin C serum first and apply my moisturizer on top, then sunscreen,” said Freeman. When it comes to vitamin C, she noted, “You don’t need much.”
From there, you can add products designed to address specific issues that bother you — but there’s value in not going overboard.
“With too many skin care products, we worry about ingredients interacting, and we worry about irritation,” said Freeman.
Signs your skin care routine might be overly elaborate include dryness, redness or burning. “Often, patients come in and I say, ‘You're really irritated, what are you using?’ and they list 20 things. I say, ‘Let's start from the basics again. Let's start with one product at a time to figure out what works best for you.”
Freeman likens using too many skin care products to taking too many medications: Not only are interactions an issue, but some people get overwhelmed and use them incorrectly.
In other cases, she noted, using a multitude of products does work. “Some people do great with a lot of products, as long as they know what they're used for and how to use them.”
Zero in on your skin issues
If you’re concealing your skin because of acne, rosacea, discoloration or some other issue, talk to a qualified skin care provider about what products and treatments to try.
The provider can suggest over-the-counter or prescription topicals that gradually smooth the skin’s texture and improve acne, acne scars and hyperpigmentation (dark spots), three common reasons women wear foundation.
A vitamin C serum, for example, may be ideal for overall texture issues, hyperpigmentation, age spots and fine lines. Prescription glycolic acid or hydroquinone products are used to fight more serious hyperpigmentation. Creams, cleansers, wipes and sprays containing salicylic acid can make pores appear smaller. Certain topicals work to tamp down rosacea symptoms.
A provider can also suggest in-office treatments to help your skin look better bare. A chemical peel, for example, makes skin smoother and softer while minimizing the look of fine lines and brown spots. “Chemical peels have come a long way in the last few years,” said Freeman. Multiple strengths let you choose how aggressive you want to be.
Laser treatments are another option for diminishing wrinkles, discoloration and scars and reducing the appearance of pores. Laser treatment for rosacea is often effective for persistent redness and visible veins.
Get a natural glow
Why use makeup that gives you the look of glowing skin when you can have glowing skin for real?
Start by keeping your skin well moisturized and choosing your moisturizer wisely. A moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid can plump the skin and give you a fresh, dewy look. Or add a few drops of a hyaluronic acid serum to your regular moisturizer.
Vitamin C, green tea and caffeine are other go-to ingredients. This soothing green tea and witch hazel mist can refresh tired-looking skin and soothe irritation, including irritation from wearing a face mask (wash your face after removing the mask). This multitasking moisturizer, which contains green tea, caffeine and the antioxidant resveratrol, is helpful for calming inflammation as well as diminishing the look of fine lines and pores.
If a healthy glow is your main objective, also consider a chemical peel.
Remember, the goal of skinimalism isn’t flawless skin, it’s natural-looking skin you feel good about.
“People do have imperfections, but we can work through them,” said Freeman. “There are ways to make you feel better about your skin besides covering it with makeup.”
Finally, resist the urge to try every product getting raves on social media. “There are many influencers suggesting different products, and a lot of times they're getting paid to do it,” said Freeman. “Just because a product is trending doesn't mean it's right for everyone.”
Article Written By: Marianne Wait, an award-winning health and wellness writer based in New Jersey.
How Contagious Is Poison Ivy?
You caught a nasty case of poison ivy rash hiking in the woods or working in your yard. Now, you’re scratching up a storm at home and wondering — can my family catch this from me?
The short answer is no. Poison ivy rash, which is caused by an allergic reaction to oil in the plant, is not contagious. Even the fluid from poison ivy blisters is not contagious. Only direct contact with the plant’s oil, called urushiol, can trigger poison ivy rash.
But here’s the rub: Touching the plant isn't the only way to have direct contact with the oil.
Let’s say you got urushiol on your arm from touching the plant. If someone touches your arm before you wash off the oil, and before your skin absorbs it (which happens in a matter of minutes), they can get poison ivy rash. The same is true if you get the oil on your shirt or your shoe and someone else touches it, or touches a surface on which you placed an item. You can even get poison ivy rash from your dog or cat if the pet comes into contact with poison ivy and you touch the fur or hair.
That’s why it’s important to clean any items — and pets — that come into contact with poison ivy. Remove the clothing you were wearing when you were exposed and put it directly into the washing machine. Don’t drop the clothes on the rug or a chair first, and don’t let them touch the outside of the washing machine. If your shoes came into contact with the plant, clean the shoes and put the shoelaces in the wash. If your pet came into contact with poison ivy, shampoo him or her while wearing rubber gloves. As an extra precaution, you should wash the leash, too.
You should also wash other items that may have come into contact with the plant. That includes garden tools (and gloves), camping equipment, golf clubs, a bicycle you were riding and even jewelry you were wearing. You can wash them or remove the oil with rubbing alcohol.
Note, simply putting items aside to "air out" won’t do anything to prevent poison ivy rash, since urushiol can remain on surfaces for years.
Just as someone can get poison ivy rash if they touch your urushiol-contaminated skin, you can transfer it to other parts of your own body while the oil is still on your skin. Wash your exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure. Rinse it with water if you don’t have access to soap, and wash with soap when you do. This also reduces the severity of the rash. Be sure to clean under your fingernails, where urushiol can hide.
Poison ivy rash is no fun, but if you’re smart about removing the urushiol from your body, your clothing, and anything else that may be contaminated with it, you can help prevent others from catching it — and avoid getting re-infected yourself later on.
Article Written By: Marianne Wait, an award-winning health and wellness writer based in New Jersey.
Mohs Surgery for Skin Cancer Treatment
Updated May 19, 2020
The number of people developing skin cancer has been increasing for decades, to the point that skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the United States. Every day, more than 95,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, and one in five people will develop it in their lifetime.
Most cases are slow-growing nonmelanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Sun exposure and indoor tanning are the biggest risk factors for developing these skin cancers, and most of them form in areas that get the most sun, such as the head and neck. For people who develop BCC, SCC or some early melanomas, Mohs (pronounced “moes”) surgery is a very effective treatment, with a cure rate of up to 99 percent according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The technique also provides the best cosmetic results of any skin cancer treatment.
What is Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery, is a technique invented by Dr. Frederic Mohs in the 1930s. Since being refined in the 1970s, it's become a mainstream treatment for skin cancers on the head and neck.
Mohs surgery differs from more routine skin cancer removal surgery in that it's done in stages. After the surgeon removes a layer of tissue, he or she examines it under a microscope to see whether it contains cancer cells. The process is repeated until no more cancer cells are found. This way, healthy tissue is spared, and the scar is minimized.
In Mohs surgery, all of the edges (called "margins") of the removed tissue are evaluated, which is not the case with conventional surgery according to Dr. Justin Platzer, a board-certified dermatologist at Water's Edge Dermatology. In conventional surgery, "[the sample] is cut differently, and it's only a small fraction of the margin that's evaluated, so you can miss tumors." By contrast, he said, "Mohs surgery allows for recurrence rates of tumors to be as low as 1 percent."
How does Mohs surgery work?
After injecting a local anesthetic to numb the skin, the surgeon removes the visible portion of the cancer along with a thin segment of surrounding skin and examines it under a microscope. Water's Edge Dermatology has an onsite pathology lab where samples are read immediately, and patients learn the results throughout the procedure. (Patients who undergo traditional skin cancer surgery can wait up to a week to get pathology results indicating whether or not the cancer is gone.)
If the sample contains cancer cells, the surgeon removes an additional layer of skin and sends it back to the lab. "If it’s positive [for skin cancer] in just one area, you’re able to take a little more of the skin only in that area, so it keeps the wound smaller," explained Dr. Platzer. This process is repeated until the margins are clean, meaning that no cancer cells remain. Most patients need only two rounds to remove all the cancerous tissue. The procedure lasts a few hours.
After the cancer is removed, the surgeon will decide whether and how to repair the wound. Smaller wounds are often left to heal on their own. Larger wounds may require stitches or even skin grafts. At Water's Edge Dermatology, surgical removal, lab evaluation and wound reconstruction are done in one visit in most cases. When patients walk out of the surgery, they have peace of mind knowing that their cancer is fully treated.
Who should have Mohs surgery?
Mohs surgery is typically recommended for nonmelanoma skin cancers in places where you want to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible to maintain maximum function and provide a good cosmetic result, such as around the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet and genitals. Mohs is also used to treat cancers that:
- Returned after initial treatment
- Have a high risk of recurring
- Weren’t completely removed by other treatments
- Are large or aggressive
Will Mohs surgery leave a scar?
All surgical procedures have the potential to leave a scar. Mohs surgery often results in smaller, less noticeable scars than other skin cancer removal methods. Most scars improve in appearance naturally over time. "It takes a full year for scars to fully heal, but most scars from Mohs surgery start looking cosmetically acceptable after four to six weeks," said Dr. Platzer.
Is Mohs surgery covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover Mohs surgery. Check with your insurance provider to confirm that Mohs is covered under your plan.
What should I do if I am concerned about possible skin cancer?
If you have a suspicious area on your skin, make an appointment to have it evaluated as soon as possible. If the dermatologist suspects skin cancer, he or she may perform a biopsy for further examination.
Don't think you’re too young for skin cancer. Nonmelanoma skin cancers typically appear after age 50, but even people in their 20s and 30s can develop them, according to Dr. Platzer. "It takes a while to develop a BCC or SCC, so people usually have to be pretty fair-skinned and have significant amounts of sun damage to have it when they're very young, but it's definitely possible to get it then."
To book an appointment for a skin evaluation, call (877-544-3880) or request one online. It’s a good idea to have your skin examined at least one a year. The sooner skin cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances of a complete cure, and the lower the chances of disfigurement.
Nail Problems and What to Do About Them
Did you know that our nails are essentially hardened skin cells? They might seem tough as, well, nails, but they can present their own unique health problems if they aren’t treated with care and attention.
What Exactly Are Nails?
We want nails to look strong and healthy, serve as an onboard toolset of sorts and protect our fingers and toes. But what makes up a nail and how a nail grows is amazingly delicate.
Your nails are made up mostly of keratin, which is a protein found in the skin and hair. As nails grow out from the matrix – the hidden half-moon area under the cuticle – older cells in the nail are pushed forward and harden to form a visible nail that protects and supports tissues in our fingers and toes.
Common Nail Issues
Nail problems make up about 10% of all dermatological conditions. As we age, nails thicken and become more susceptible to issues such as fungal and bacterial infections. Often these are nothing to worry about, but some may signal disease. Here are some common nail issues:
- White Spots – Typically white spots in the nail are caused by mild trauma such as catching a finger in a door. Typically, the nail will grow out and the white spots will disappear. However, if you see several white spots that do not seem to grow out, those might be an indication of an infection or other medical condition that may need treatment.
- Ingrown Nail – Most of us have had ingrown nails when the corner of the nail curves into the skin. Ingrown nails can be painful and sometimes get infected.
- Bacterial Infections – Redness, swelling and pain of the skin around the nails can be signs of a bacterial infection. Sometimes the nail may appear green. If you have your hands in water or the skin around the nails is exposed to chemicals on a regular basis, you might be susceptible to developing a bacterial infection.
- Nail fungus – This is a common condition that typically begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. The nail may become discolored, thickened, misshaped and maybe even painful. If you see any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your Water’s Edge dermatologist.
- Dark Spots – If dark spots or streaks appear on any nail and you know it’s not because of an injury, see your practitioner. Dark spots or streaks on a nail could be signs of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer. Be sure to get checked out right away.
Tips to Keep Nails Healthy
Practicing good nail habits is key to keeping them healthy. Water’s Edge recommends these tips:
- Keep nails clean and dry to help prevent bacteria, viruses or fungus from collecting under the nail.
- Cut nails straight across, rounding them slightly at the tips for maximum strength.
- Keep nails shaped and free of snags.
- Avoid biting fingernails and do not remove the cuticle.
- Trim toenails regularly to keep them short.
- Soak your feet in warm salt water for 5 to 10 minutes if toenails are thick and difficult to cut. This softens the nails and makes them easier to trim.
- Avoid digging out ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected or sore. See your practitioner for treatment.
- Wear shoes that fit correctly and alternate your shoes so you are not wearing the same shoes every day.
- If you see changes in your nails, such as swelling or pain, see your Water’s Edge provider.
- If you have diabetes or poor circulation, watch your nails carefully. See your Water’s Edge provider at the first sign of a problem.
Your nails can reveal a lot about your health, and changes in nails can signal disease or a medical issue. If you notice any issues or changes in your nails, make an appointment with your Water's Edge provider or call 877-900-3223 .
Gryphon-Backed Water's Edge Dermatology Acquires Coast Dermatology
SAN FRANCISCO and PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., June 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Water's Edge Dermatology ("Water's Edge" or "the Company"), a leading provider of comprehensive dermatology services through 37 Florida locations, announced today that it has acquired a controlling interest in Coast Dermatology ("Coast"), a medical/cosmetic dermatology practice in Venice, Florida. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The ABCDE Rules of Melanoma
The fun and sun of summer is knocking at the door, but so is the deadliest result of too much sun – melanoma. That’s why catching and treating it early is the key to battling and even curing melanoma.
Melanoma is tricky. It can start on the surface of the skin, under a nail or even in the eye. Once it gets started growing, it can grow deep into the skin and spread through the body. That’s what makes it so dangerous.
Anyone can get melanoma, regardless of age, sex or skin color. People with certain risk factors should be especially persistent about getting regular skin checks for melanoma and other skin cancers by a dermatologist.
Melanoma Risk Factors
People with these risk factors have a higher probability of developing melanoma:
- Fair, sun-sensitive skin that burns easily or tans poorly
- Red or blond hair; Blue or green eyes
- Have 50 or more moles
- Unusual or irregular-looking moles that are typically large in size
- A history of sunburns or indoor tanning bed use
- Blood relatives who have or had melanoma
- Immune system weakness due to disease, organ transplant or medication
- History of melanoma or another skin cancer
- Age 50 or older
What to Look For
A common warning sign of melanoma is change. Melanoma often begins in or near an existing mole. A change in the shape, color or size of a mole can be a warning sign of melanoma. Also be aware if a mole becomes painful or begins to bleed or itch.
Some melanomas develop suddenly and without warning. Regular skin self-exams can you identify these changes.
The ABCDE Rules of Melanoma
Make sure you are doing regular skin checks. Look for moles and other spots on your skin and apply the ABCDE rules listed below. During a skin self-exam, keep in mind that moles are typically uniform in color, round or oval and have a well-defined border. Though melanomas can vary greatly in appearance, most tend to have one or more of these ABCDE traits, and some have several.
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 |
 |
 |
 |
| A = ASYMMETRY One half is different than the other half |
B = BORDER Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border |
C = COLOR Varied from one area to another with shades of tan, brown, black and sometimes white, red or blue |
D = DIAMETER Melanomas are usually wider than a pencil eraser, but they can be smaller |
E = EVOLVING A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color |
Make an appointment to see a Water’s Edge Dermatology provider if you notice any of the ABCDE traits. Your practitioner will examine any mole that has one or more of these traits and all new growths.
Remember, early detection and treatment saves lives. Click here to schedule a skin cancer screening at your nearest Water’s Edge Dermatology office.
Skin Cancer Treatments
Hearing the word “cancer” can be scary. However, when it comes to skin cancer, it doesn’t have to be frightening. Although it is the most common cancer in the United States, skin cancer is highly curable when caught and treated early.
If you are diagnosed with skin cancer or a pre-cancerous spot, schedule a visit with one of our highly-skilled skin experts. At Water’s Edge Dermatology, you have the best options for curing your skin cancer. Not only are do we have many highly specialized Mohs surgeons on staff, but we are the only dermatology practice in Florida that also offers electron beam therapy as a non-surgical option for our patients. Both treatment options boast high success rates for curing skin cancer.
Types of Skin Cancer and Pre-Cancer
Actinic Keratosis
This is a “pre-cancer” and is usually treated with liquid nitrogen (freezing) or topical (on the skin) medications.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common skin cancer diagnosed in the US. It is very curable and rarely spreads (metastasizes). Treatments for basal cell carcinoma include: curetting and electrodesiccation, excision, Mohs Surgery or radiation therapy. Occasionally, very superficial and small basal cell carcinomas can be treated with liquid nitrogen (freezing) or topical medication.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The second more common skin cancer. Generally, it is very curable and has a low risk of spreading (metastasizing) if small and flat. Treatments for basal cell carcinoma include: curetting and electrodesiccation, excision, Mohs Surgery or radiation therapy. Occasionally, very superficial and squamous cell carcinomas can be treated with liquid nitrogen (freezing) or topical medication.
Malignant Melanoma
This type of cancer is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma and must be treated aggressively. Melanoma requires immediate attention because it is an aggressive cancer that can spread (metastasize) to local lymph nodes or beyond. Treatment of Melanoma is typically managed by a team of providers specializing in Mohs surgery and radiation therapy. Thankfully, many melanomas are detected at a very early stage during annual skin checks performed by our highly skilled skin experts.
Skin Cancer Treatment Options
At Water’s Edge Dermatology, we believe you should have a choice when it comes to treating your skin cancer. Whereas most dermatology practices only offer surgical options, Water’s Edge Dermatology is different. We offer our patients the choice between the standard surgical options and a non-surgical option with electron beam therapy.
Below are the most common skin cancer treatment options available to you at Water’s Edge Dermatology.
Curetting and Electrodesiccation
This procedure involves removing cancerous skin through scraping & cauterization. The resulting wounds can take 4-6 weeks to heal.
Excision
This is an in-office surgical procedure where the cancerous tissue is removed from the patient using a local anesthetic.
Mohs Surgery
Named after Dr. Frederic Mohs, this surgical technique is used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma by completely removing the tumor. Mohs Surgery is most commonly used for people who have skin cancer on high-risk locations (the face, neck or hands), recurrent cancer at any site, a predisposition to multiple skin cancers or rapidly growing or large tumors.
During Mohs Surgery, layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed, immediately frozen and then examined by a surgeon under a microscope until all the cancer is gone. Once the cancer is removed, the area is repaired with stitches by the provider or a plastic surgeon, depending on the depth and shape of the wound. This process typically takes 2-4 hours. Mohs Surgery is performed under local anesthetic, adding to the safety of this procedure.
Mohs Surgery offers among the highest cancer cure rate while minimizing removal of the surrounding healthy tissue. It has been cited that the cure rate for Mohs Surgery is between 97% - 99% for basal cell carcinoma, with a lower cure rate for squamous cell carcinoma.
Electron Beam Therapy
Electron beam therapy is a state-of-the-art type of superficial radiation therapy. It is a non-surgical, non-invasive, pain-free treatment option that is highly effective at treating many types of skin cancer while providing excellent cosmetic results. Previously only available at major cancer centers and hospitals, Water’s Edge Dermatology is one of the only dermatology practices in Florida offering this state-of-the-art skin cancer treatment.
This technique uses a finely tailored electron particle beam to selectively destroy cancer cells, “melting away” the cancer and sparing normal tissues. It does not use penetrating radiation and is very different from the type of radiation therapy used to treat other cancers, such as breast, lung and prostate. Treatment is delivered in a series of gentle, two-minute sessions five days a week for a course of 3-6 weeks. The total length of treatment depends on several factors including cancer type, location and medical history. During the course of treatment, there are no limitations on daily activities. You can continue normal activities such as work, exercise, swimming, etc. throughout your treatment.
This non-surgical option is ideal for cancers located on the face, scalp, extremities or any location on the body where surgery might be challenging or where the best possible cosmetic outcome is desired. Additionally, radiation therapy is a safer alternative to surgery for patients with certain medical conditions or who are taking some medications (including blood thinners). Like other common skin cancer treatments, electron beam therapy is generally covered by insurance.
It is important to know that most skin cancers can be treated with surgery or electron beam therapy. Both options come with advantages and disadvantages. If you have received a skin cancer diagnosis and would like to discuss treatment options, please contact us at (877) 544-3880. We are happy discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option with you and answer any questions you may have.
How to Choose a Sunscreen
Sun and fun. They go together, particularly in the sunshine state. But sun can go with other things that aren’t so fun at all, such as pre-mature aging of your skin and even dangerous skin cancers.
Fortunately, there is a not-so-secret weapon that is easily available and known by just about everyone. It’s called sunscreen but using the wrong sunscreen in the wrong ways is a waste of your time and money, and most importantly can put your health at risk.
With so many options available, choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming, which is why we developed the Water's Edge Dermatology guide to selecting the best sprays and creams to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
What to Look For in a Sunscreen
Water’s Edge Dermatology recommends following these rules for choosing a sunscreen:
- Broad spectrum – Broad spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from both ultraviolet A (also know as UVA) and ultraviolet B (also known as UVB) rays. Both of these rays can cause skin cancer.
- SPF 30 or higher – The sun protection factor (SPF) rating indicates how well a sunscreen protects you from the sun by blocking harmful UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to make sure you are protected.
- Key ingredients – Look for active ingredients like ecamsule, avobenzone, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone or zinc oxide. Beware of products that include oxybenzone or octinoxate which are harmful to the environment. Some areas of Florida have plans to ban the sale of sunscreen with oxybenzone and octinoxate because these chemicals can damage coral reefs.
- Avoid tanning oils – They generally do not provide enough protection against the harmful effects of the sun.
How to Apply Sunscreen & How Often
If choosing the best sunscreen is half the battle, the other half is using it correctly so you get the maximum protection. Here are a few tips to help:
- One ounce of sunscreen is considered the right amount. Cover all exposed areas of the body thoroughly. Don’t skimp. Many people don’t use enough sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going in the sun. Don’t forget the tips of the ears, feet, back of the legs and bald spot (if you have one). Reapply sunscreen every two hours and use a UV-protective lip balm to protect your lips.
- If you are exercising or are in the water, it’s a good idea to get a sunscreen that is resistant to water and sweat. The FDA defines water resistant to mean that the SPF level stays effective after 40 minutes in the water. Very water resistant means it is effective after 80 minutes of swimming. These sunscreens are not waterproof, so reapply regularly.
Additional Protection
It’s important to wear sunscreen whenever you are outside during the day. Even on an overcast day, 80 percent of the dangerous UV rays make it through. Though vitally important, sunscreen does not fully protect your skin from the sun’s rays, so also consider these additional precautions to protect your skin from sun damage:
- Stay in the shade when you can.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, preferably with polarized lenses.
- Stay inside between 10am and 4pm when the UV levels are the highest.
- Wear a hat and sun-protective clothing.
Skin is the largest barrier against infection that we have. Keeping your skin healthy and shielding it from harmful rays of the sun can help you look younger and prevent skin cancer. Also, be sure to get a skin cancer screening every year so if you do have skin cancer, it can be detected and treated early.
Play it safe and smart – sunscreen up and get a skin cancer screening!
Shop our favorite EltaMD sunscreens.
Schedule a skin cancer screening at your nearest Water’s Edge Dermatology office.
First Monday in May is Melanoma Monday
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer? Approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. That means approximately one in five Americans develop skin cancer. While melanoma is not the most common type of skin cancer, it is the most dangerous. It is responsible for 10,000 American lives lost every year and is the second most common form of cancer in females ages 15 to 29. The good news is that skin cancer is also the most preventable cancer.
To raise awareness of melanoma and to encourage annual skin checks to help prevent skin cancer in general, the American Academy of Dermatology designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday.
Who gets melanoma?
People of all colors and races get melanoma. Those with light skin who sunburn easily are at higher risk. If you have any of the following risk factors, you need to take extra caution in protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun:
- History of sunburns
- Family history of skin cancer
- Exposure to X-rays
- Use of tanning beds or sunlamps
What does melanoma look like?
Melanoma often develops in a mole or appears suddenly as a new dark spot on the skin. Be on the lookout for changes in moles, and if you see irregular edges or unusual colors in a mole, schedule a visit with your Water’s Edge Dermatology provider right away. Catching melanoma early (before it can spread) is key to stopping it. Even though melanoma can be deadly, survival rates can be greater than 90% when treated early.
Preventing melanoma
Tips to help prevent melanoma:
- Wear broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more on exposed skin
- Cover up with a hat and clothing
- Stay in the shade when possible, especially 10am-4pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest
- Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen
- Avoid tanning beds, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkling
- Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice any skin changes, skin growths or bleeding on your skin, see a Water’s Edge Dermatology practitioner immediately
In addition to doing self-exams on your birthday, May is a great month to schedule a skin check by a highly specialized skin care expert. At Water’s Edge Dermatology, our providers are experts in spotting melanoma and treating it early with procedures just right for each of our valued patients. Be safe and schedule your skin cancer check now.
Request an appointment with one of our skin care experts at Water’s Edge Dermatology.
Eating for Fabulous, Healthy Skin
Spring is officially here! If you haven’t already, you will soon start seeing lots of colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmer’s markets and grocery stores. Did you know that what you eat affects your skin health and appearance? It does! To help restore or maintain healthy skin and a more youthful appearance, start with small steps. Here are three easy tips to follow:
Tip 1: Add more fish to your diet
Fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel and herring) are excellent for supporting healthy skin. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, these fish help keep your skin thick, supple and moisturized. Omega-3 fats in fish also help reduce inflammation and can even make your skin less sensitive to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Dry skin can be one sign that your body is not getting enough omega-3 fats.
Fatty fish also contain vitamin E – an important antioxidant that helps protect skin against damage from free radicals and inflammation. By incorporating more fatty fish into your diet, you get the benefit of high-quality protein that helps maintain skin’s strength and integrity.
Tip 2: Eat a rainbow of fruits & vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain an array of powerful antioxidants that help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals from pollution and sunlight can cause wrinkles and other signs of early aging. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals we encounter in our everyday lives.
To get the biggest benefit, choose a colorful rainbow of fruits and vegetables, and aim for five portions a day. Vary your choices, and get as much color on your plate as possible. Berries (including blueberries, black berries and raspberries) are particularly rich in antioxidants. Carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin contain beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Kale, papaya and spinach are excellent sources of lutein, another potent antioxidant that is also good for maintaining eye health.
When you fill your plate, cover half of the plate with fruits and vegetables; one fourth with lean protein and one fourth with complex, healthy carbs (such as brown rice or whole grain pasta).
Tip 3: Indulge in dark chocolate
Yes, we saved the best for last, and the news is great! Cocoa is phenomenally beneficial to skin health.
A study reported by the National Institute of Health tells us that consuming cocoa powder on a daily basis for six to 12 weeks can result in thicker, more hydrated skin that is less sensitive to sunburn. Other studies have shown improvements in the appearance of wrinkles.
Specifically, you need to select dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa in order to maximize the benefits to your skin and keep added sugar to a minimum.
Your Water’s Edge Cosmetics team is here to support your best appearance. Our skilled aestheticians can help you look as young as you feel. Click here to Request an Appointment or call 877.533.8214.