Skin and Cancer Associates, Florida

A private dermatology group of 80 dermatologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants practicing at more than 30 locations in Florida.

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Check & Protect in Honor of Skin Cancer Awareness

May is officially Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the best thing you can do to minimize your skin cancer risk is Check & Protect. Here’s how. 

Skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society reports more than 5 million cases of basal and squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed yearly, with nearly 10,000 new skin cancer cases discovered daily. 

It’s impossible to avoid the sun completely. However, continual sun protection and skin checks can radically reduce your risk of developing a dangerous form of skin cancer. 

Check Yourself 

It’s important to familiarize yourself with your skin to easily recognize any suspicious changes. Periodic self-evaluations should be a part of your routine, particularly if you have a history of sunburn or a high risk of developing skin cancer (family history of cancer or very fair skin). 

Here are some tips for performing a skin check: 

  • Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room. 
  • Be sure to look at the entire body from head to toe, including the scalp, the back of the neck, the back, between the buttocks, and the soles of the feet. 
  • As you look at your skin, look for any changes in size, shape, color, or texture in any moles, birthmarks, or freckles. Pay special attention to any growths with an irregular shape or color, areas of skin that are tender, itchy, or bleeding, or moles that have changed size or shape over time. 
  • Take note of any changes that you find, and be sure to mention any changes to your doctor. 

While self-checks should not be considered a substitute for dermatologist-administered skin evaluations, periodic skin self-assessments can alert you to small changes that shouldn’t wait for an annual screening. If you find any skin changes, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a medical exam. 

Have a Dermatologist Check Your Skin 

A skin cancer screening at a dermatologist is an important step in keeping your skin healthy. At the appointment, the doctor will generally perform a head-to-toe examination of your skin. They will look for any suspicious spots or moles and check for any changes in existing moles. Your doctor may also use a special tool, like a dermatoscope, to better view the moles and check for any signs of skin cancer. 

You will be asked questions about your family history and any changes to moles or spots that you have noticed. Your doctor may ask you to monitor any suspicious moles and report back to them if you notice any changes. 

Your doctor might also take a biopsy of any concerning moles or spots, which involves taking a small tissue sample. A lab will analyze and test the sample for cancer. 

At the end of the appointment, your doctor will discuss the examination and biopsy results, if needed, and explain what to do if any further treatment is necessary. 

Protect Yourself 

Preventing skin cancer requires a multi-faceted approach to sun protection. You might think applying sunscreen isn’t necessary if you don’t spend much time outdoors, but ultraviolet radiation can be quite sneaky. 

You can reduce your risk by following the following sun safety tips: 

  • Wear sunscreen daily. Even if you spend most of your day working indoors, you could be exposed to unfiltered UV radiation if you work near a window or have a long drive to work. Wearing a good, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) will shield you from inadvertent UV exposure. 
  • When it comes to sunblock, more is more! Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. Your face and neck require approximately one teaspoon of sunscreen for thorough coverage. For full body protection, you’ll need at least two tablespoons to shield yourself from head to toe. 
  • Wear clothes with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+. If it’s not practical to slather your whole body with sunscreen, wearing long-sleeved sun-protective clothing is an excellent alternative. Choose garments with a UPF label to ensure you get the proper protection. Also – don’t forget sunglasses! Choose a UV-blocking, wrap-around pair for maximum coverage. 
  • Stay in the shade. A shady spot can screen out a significant amount of UV light, but it depends upon the quality of the material blocking the sun and the degree to which you are exposed to indirect light. Dense tree covers provide greater protection than single trees, and structures with side walls offer more protection than shade structures mounted on poles. 

Skin cancer screenings are important for early detection, increasing your chances of successful treatment if any abnormalities are discovered. It’s important to follow up with your dermatologist regularly to check for any changes, and to get a skin cancer screening at least once a year. 

To schedule an annual skin check, please visit our information page to find a dermatology center near you. 

Break the Breakout Cycle: Manage Stress for Clear Skin

You are not alone if your skin is subject to bouts of blemishes whenever you feel a bit anxious. Stress can cause multiple symptoms, making your skin look less than its best. In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, we’d like to open your awareness to the link between stress and acne.  

Is April an inherently stressful month? Let’s look at what happens in April: 

  • Easter and Passover holidays 
  • Beginning of the wedding season 
  • Tax Day 

So, if the idea of big family gatherings, wedding planning, and paying taxes fills you with stress, you can consider yourself perfectly normal. If you’ve noticed a breakout or two (or more) this month, it’s probably stress-related, right? 

Well… Maybe. 

Does stress cause acne? 

Stress can affect pretty much every facet of our physical and psychological well-being. Stress is linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, type II diabetes, mood disorders, accelerated aging, addiction disorders, arthritis, and even cancer. 

However, stress doesn’t technically cause acne in people who aren’t predisposed to acne breakouts. Stress increases the hormone cortisol, which can affect sebum production and significantly worsen existing acne. It has also been theorized that stress disrupts the skin’s natural antimicrobial defenses, possibly causing Cutibacterium acnes – bacteria that play a major role in the development of acne – to flourish. 

Additionally, stress can cause sleep disruptions that can trigger inflammation and excess oil production, which can cause acne. 

If you’re feeling highly stressed and if you noticed an unusual number of pimples, we’re certainly not going to insist that stress wasn’t a cause. 

But the question remains – what can be done about it? 

Self-Care for Clear Skin 

Coping with stress can be challenging. We can’t simply walk away from the jobs, families, friends, and problems causing our stress, can we? 

Not physically, but most of us can take a few moments out of the day to mindfully manage our anxieties. Here are a few tips that can help you emotionally self-regulate: 

  • Get some exercise. Physical exercise is one of nature’s most effective antistress tools. Going for a walk, taking a yoga class, hiking, or dancing can bring significant relief for several reasons. First, exercise releases mood-elevating endorphins, which make us feel great. Secondly, low-intensity exercise causes cortisol (stress hormone) levels to decrease. Thirdly, exercise makes us feel better about ourselves, particularly when we notice increased endurance and tighter muscles! 
  • Eat right. Certain foods have stress-lowering properties. Evidence suggests that a diet rich in lean proteins, colorful vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole-grain fiber but low in dairy and sugar can minimize the production of the insulin-like growth factor hormone 1. This chemical is thought to increase oil production in the skin and exacerbate acne. 
  • Improve your sleep hygiene. If your sleep routine is erratic and disrupted, you probably feel anxious, jittery, moody, frustrated, and fatigued. Lack of proper sleep has a significant effect on physical and emotional health. Try to keep a consistent sleep routine and not overstimulate your brain before bed by staring at a digital screen. 
  • Schedule a facial. Pamper yourself by having a professional facial performed by a qualified skin expert. It is inherently relaxing, and the procedure rejuvenates and detoxifies your skin, improving acne and delivering a boost of hydration. 

You can also pamper yourself by pampering your skin at home! SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense offers a powerful boost of plant-based exfoliants, pore-decongesting lipo-hydroxy acids, and skin-smoothing glycolic acid. 

If you want to tackle breakouts from head to toe, one of our favorite products is WestDerm Body Acne Clearing Spray, a gentle, full-body exfoliating spray that targets body acne in difficult-to-reach areas. 

For skin that’s red and reactive, SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque calms inflamed breakouts, accelerating healing and minimizing redness. 

If you have concerns about sudden, stress-related acne flare-ups, please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with a qualified dermatologist for a comprehensive evaluation. To find a dermatology center near you, please visit our location page today. 

Phyto-Corrective Skincare: Soothe Sensitive Skin

Phytoceramides are extremely popular skincare ingredients, and it isn’t hard to see why! Phyto-corrective skincare offers highly effective moisture retention, clarification, and rejuvenation. Plus, it’s fantastic for sensitive skin. 

But what are phytoceramides, anyway? 

Benefits of Phytoceramides 

Human skin cells are surrounded by ceramides, long-chain fatty acids that maintain a moisture-retaining barrier and influence cell growth. Approximately 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier are ceramides. 

Not only does the ceramide barrier help skin stay appropriately hydrated, but it also protects the body from environmental irritants, pathogens, and toxins. 

Unfortunately, ceramide levels begin to decline as we age, causing our skin to become drier, more sensitive to irritants, and susceptible to inflammation and redness. Using topical ceramide products has been shown to replenish the skin barrier and even facilitate the production of more ceramides. Ceramides have been shown to offer the following benefits: 

  • Skin rejuvenation. Because ceramides help the skin retain water, the skin appears plumper and smoother. Moreover, ceramides improve hyperpigmentation, enhancing skin radiance. 
  • Manages breakouts. Sensitive skin that is prone to inflammation and breakouts could benefit from a boost of ceramides. When the skin barrier becomes damaged, the skin becomes more reactive and susceptible to acne flare-ups. Ceramides can help repair and protect the skin barrier, making the skin less reactive. 
  • Repairs UV damage. A healthy skin barrier can filter approximately 70% of UVB rays. Because ceramides can effectively repair the skin barrier, SPF products enhanced with ceramides have demonstrated significant UV-filtering efficacy. When used with a moisturizing sunscreen, ceramides can offer extremely effective protection to the skin barrier. 

Numerous skin care products contain ceramides, which can be naturally derived or synthetic. When ceramides are entirely plant-based, they are known as phytoceramides (the prefix “phyto” is from the Greek word phyein, which means “to grow”).

Phytoceramides are an excellent option because they don’t use animal-derived ingredients, making them accessible to people who cannot use animal products. 

People with sensitive skin can benefit tremendously from Phyto-corrective skincare. Here are a few of our favorite phytoceramide skincare products for soothing and revitalizing sensitive skin. 

Sensitive Skin with Redness and Inflammation 

If you’re experiencing inflammation after a cosmetic procedure (laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, or another minimally invasive rejuvenation treatment), phytoceramide products could help reduce redness and sensitivity while supporting cellular regrowth. 

SkinCeuticals Phyto-Corrective Masque is a calming botanical face mask that hydrates and eases reactive skin. This corrective facial mask is instantly cooling — it reduces the skin’s surface temperature by 5°F — and is excellent for addressing post-procedure reactivity. Moreover, it reduces skin sensitivity and provides a boost of potent botanical extracts, a soothing dipeptide, and volumizing hyaluronic acid. 

Another fantastic product for combatting redness is WestDerm Botanical Calming & Correcting serum. This concentrated product is perfect for highly sensitized and reactive skin, offering abundant antioxidant benefits that minimize inflammation, protect against free radical damage, and relieve discomfort. 

Sensitive Oily and Acne-Prone Skin 

Very often, those of us with oily skin will attribute inflammation and acne flare-ups to excess oil production, leading to over-correction with skin-drying products that make acne worse. SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment is an excellent option for people experiencing simultaneous breakouts, oiliness, and irritation. This oil-reducing, lightweight, and calming moisturizer not only provides a hefty dose of hydration, it also clarifies the pores and accelerates healing, clearing up existing acne and preventing new breakouts. 

Another fantastic lightweight product for oily and combination skin is  SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist. This soothing and hydrating facial mist can be applied whenever you need a dose of moisture. This fabulous mist can even be applied over makeup! 

Sensitive Skin with Hyperpigmentation/Discoloration 

The appearance of sun damage-related skin discoloration can be effectively reduced by repairing the skin barrier and accelerating skin cell turnover. The WestDerm IPL Botanical Serum and Antioxidant Sunscreen bundle provides a potent boost of free radical-fighting phytoceramides, antioxidant botanicals, and intensive UV protection. This skincare system is highly effective for addressing post-treatment inflammation and redness. 

Another great product for correcting uneven skin tone is SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel, a calming gel formulation that improves skin texture and volume while inhibiting the processes that cause hyperpigmentation. This product was engineered to promote healing, containing ingredients like anti-inflammatory eucalyptus and hydrating hyaluronic acid. With calming botanical ingredients like mulberry that target discoloration, this restorative gel is excellent for all skin types. 

While phytoceramides deliver stellar results for multiple skin conditions, it’s still important to see a qualified dermatologist who can recommend an effective skincare routine for your skin type, lifestyle, and goals. Please visit our information page to find a dermatology center near you. 

Sneaky Winter Sun Damage: How to Protect Your Skin

Even though we’re all bundled up during the frigid winter months, we might still be susceptible to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

In cold weather, the sun’s warmth is conspicuously absent, making us think that sun protection is less urgent than in warm weather. However, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, irrespective of the heat we might or might not feel, cause sun damage and skin cancer.

Unfortunately, because we don’t feel the direct heat of the sun during the winter the way we do during the spring and summer, we might not be as vigilant about sunscreen during winter activities. We might not even realize we’re spending much time outdoors! But many of us do spend our winters outside in ways that might not register as putting us at risk of skin cancer. Here are a few common winter activities that require sun protection.

Outdoor/Yard Work

We like to think of wintertime as being the season of staying cozily indoors by the warmth of a welcoming fire. However, with winter comes shoveling snow, clearing debris from the exterior of our homes, scraping ice off of windows, and other activities that force us to leave the comfort of our homes. And because we’re not exactly basking in the sun while we’re shoveling snow, it might not occur to us to slather on the sun protection beforehand.

Always apply sunscreen before spending time outside during winter, especially while performing activities that could work up a sweat. If you plan on spending a Saturday afternoon clearing snow from your yard, apply a good, water-resistant sunblock like WestDerm Water Resistant Liquid Mineral SPF 50+ (Sheer Mineral Sunscreen).

Skiing/Snowboarding

If you’re heading out to the slopes, don’t forget to pack UV-protecting eyewear and plenty of sunscreen! Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, or just being outdoors with a warm mulled cider can put you at significant risk of sun damage. In fact, your risk of sunburn while skiing might be greater than it is on the beach in summer.

Because snow reflects UV radiation extremely efficiently, any skin that is exposed while outside is at high risk of sunburn and long-term sun damage. Moreover, the higher elevation means the atmosphere is thinner, and the UV radiation is even stronger than at sea level. Wearing sun protection for the skin and eyes is critical to preventing issues like accelerated aging, skin cancer, and eye diseases like macular degeneration.

Driving

If you do a lot of driving in snowy conditions, you could be at risk for significant sun damage, particularly if you drive an older car with non-UV-protecting windows. Even if your windows do protect against UVA rays, most vehicles’ rear and side windows do not offer UVB protection, which can lead to skin aging and cancers.

Always wear sunscreen before any road trips, and keep UV-protecting eyewear in your car to protect your vision, too.

 

Cycling/Surfing/Hiking

Wintertime might be cloudier, but the sun’s UV rays are just as damaging. If you plan on spending your winter participating in any outdoor activities – particularly at higher elevations – you still need every bit as much sun protection as you would during the warmer months.

Not only can you get a sunburn, but you can also get significant windburn, which breaks down your skin’s protective barrier, leaving you more vulnerable to sun damage.

Before heading out to the trails, mountains, or beach, apply a generous layer of sunscreen designed to withstand harsh outdoor elements. It’s also a good idea to carry additional sunscreen with you so that you can re-apply your sun protection throughout the day. A great on-the-go product is EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+. It’s a broad-spectrum formula designed to be applied and re-applied easily. It’s also TSA-compliant, so it’s a great product to pack if you’re headed on a winter break.

Having periodic skin checks by a board-certified dermatologist is one of the most important strategies for preventing skin cancer. To find a qualified dermatologist near you, please visit our information page today.

Cancer Prevention Month: Add Skin Protection to Routine

Most of us wouldn’t forget to put on clothes before leaving the house. (Hopefully!)

In addition to being stylish and preserving our modesty, clothing acts as an environmental protectant against a variety of elements, including the sun. However, while we’re pretty vigilant about at least putting on pants and a shirt before leaving the house (at least in winter!), not all of us reliably apply sun protection to the areas of our bodies that remain uncovered.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Cancer Society reports that approximately 5.4 million cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are diagnosed every year. Between 78,000 and 100,000 cases of melanoma are diagnosed yearly.

Sun protection can be the difference between clear, healthy skin and premature aging, dark spots, and a skin cancer diagnosis. If you forget to apply sunscreen in the mornings, here are a few tips that can help make it an automatic part of your daily routine.

Keep a bottle of sunscreen in the shower.

Sounds crazy, right? But how often do you remember to apply sunscreen to your ears and scalp?

Have a bottle of sunscreen in your shower caddy to remind you to put sunscreen on any exposed body parts that you don’t typically think about during the day. After your shower, blot yourself dry with a towel, then massage an even layer of sunscreen over the parts of your body that aren’t covered by clothes. These areas might include the following:

  • Ears
  • Scalp
  • Back of your neck
  • Forearms
  • Legs and feet

While you might not require extra sun protection on your upper or lower body during winter, this is still a good routine to follow in the summer months when more skin is exposed to the elements. Apply sunscreen generously to towel-dried skin and allow it to absorb as you complete the rest of your morning ritual.

Make sure your clothing is UPF-rated.

One of the most effective guards against sun damage is clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). While you might think your regular clothes offer a sufficient shield against the sun’s burning rays, many seemingly heavy garments aren’t woven tightly enough to filter out ultraviolet energy. Clothing with a UPF label is specifically designed to protect the skin from the sun while still being breathable.

Carry lip protection with SPF.

During the winter, a good lip balm is essential to keeping your lips moist, comfortable, and healthy. A good SPF lip balm also protects against lip damage that causes cancer.

Skin cancer of the lips is the most common form of oral cancer. Although the sunscreen you apply to your face should also include your lips, sunscreen wears off of the mouth area because we eat and drink throughout the day. Always reapply your lip balm after eating, drinking, or whenever your lips feel a little dry. Make sure to have a container of your favorite lip balm in your car, your desk at work, your purse, or your pocket at all times. (You can even buy keychains designed to hold your lip balm!)

Find a good sunscreen multitasker.

Even if you are fairly vigilant about skincare, sometimes it’s hard to know whether your sun protection is working towards your other skincare goals. The right sunscreen will offer more than just sun protection – there should be additional skin-nourishing ingredients, too. Here are a few products that support overall healthy and beautiful skin, regardless of skin type.

Skin Pigment Protection: IPL Bundle Pigment Correcting Serum & Sunscreen offers powerful sun protection and a healthy dose of pigment-correcting ingredients that target dark spots and other skin discoloration.

Antioxidant Support: WestDerm Water Resistant Liquid Mineral SPF 50+ (Sheer Mineral Sunscreen) is a great tool for boosting your skin’s natural restorative response. Full of green tea polyphenols, this sunscreen facilitates cell regeneration and has been shown to act as a guard against damaging cell inflammation.

Oil Control: For those with oily skin, sunscreen can feel like an added layer of pore-clogging, dulling grease. Not so with WestDerm Mattifying Mineral Tinted SPF 30 (Tinted Physical Sunscreen)! This lightweight product is an excellent option for people with overactive oil glands, featuring effective oil control and a multi-shade tint that lets you streamline your skincare routine while still retaining a fresh, smooth, and even glow.

Sensitive Skin Support: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is an excellent option for managing conditions like rosacea and acne. This gentle formula is fragrance-free and lightweight, helping to soothe and protect inflammation-prone, sensitive skin.

Having periodic skin checks is also essential to keeping your skin healthy and protected. To schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist, please visit our information page to find a clinic near you.