So here we go – I took this photo with my iPhone during my dermatology visit. Bad lighting, no foundation, a paper exam robe . . . could I be any more stripped down and exposed? All this to prove a very important point.  May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Although breast cancer is still deadlier for women, skin cancers can be lethal as well. If you’re fair-skinned or spent time in the sun, you’re at greater risk.

How many of us were sun-worshippers in our teens and twenties? I certainly was!  I grew up in Southern California as the quintessential California Girl, spending hours at the beach and by the pool. If I’d known then what I know now . . . but you don’t have to spend time baking in the sun to experience sun damage. My daughter quoted a statistic to me the other day, that time spent walking from your car to your destination during your lifetime equates to a solid year of sun exposure. I haven’t done the math, but can you imagine if that’s true? Whether it is or isn’t, sunscreen is still important.  During my dermatology visit today, I was told I need to wear sunscreen every day. I bought a tube of Elta MD SPF 44 tinted moisturizer on the spot!

We can’t undo the past, but we can do our best to mitigate the damage. See your dermatologist at least once a year. If you’ve lived in a sunshine state like I have, twice a year is nécessité. At the same time you can turn this into a beauty appointment. Who knows skin better than your dermatologist? Many dermatologists offer beauty and anti-aging procedures such as laser treatments and Botox. But today is about the medical side of dermatology. Get those visits scheduled. Like many other cancers, early detection is key. Take care of the skin you’re in!

Thanks so much for reading today!