May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to think about protecting and repairing the skin from sun damage…

With May being Skin Cancer Prevention Month, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the impact the sun has on the aging of our skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that 90 percent of our skin aging is caused by the sun. The good news is, with the right steps, we can protect ourselves from sun damage and premature aging of the skin due to sun exposure.

The skin is the largest organ of the body. It protects us from the environment, helps detox our system from harmful substances, and more. It is also an indicator of health. We’re all born with decent skin, and as we get older, different factors impact the aging of the skin—lifestyle, hormones, diet and nutrition, environmental toxins, and more. These factors are what bring many of our clients through the door at DermaTouch RN.

How can you prevent and treat sun damage?

Avoidance

Wear sun protective clothing, hats and long sleeves to protect your face and body from the sun. Also, avoid the sun between the hours of 10AM and 3PM when the sun’s rays are most potent. Tanning beds are also a no-no when it comes to protecting the skin. At the same time, the sun supports Vitamin D production and activates several other bodily functions, so some sun is good for you.

Wear sunscreen

Per The American Academy of Dermatology, wearing a sunscreen that’s “broad-spectrum” and water-resistant with at least an SPF 30 is essential to prevent sun damage. Apply sunscreen right after you sweat or swim, and reapply it at least every 2 hours. The American Academy of Dermatology also shares that one should apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes prior to exposure.

Cosmetic and skin care treatments

Laser treatments are a great option to remove photo-aging and sun damage. At DermaTouch RN, we offer a number of skin care and laser treatments to help you turn back the hands of time, including the Halo, CoolPeel, Glacial RX, BBL, and more. We also offer high-quality skin care products to support healing the skin and to prevent premature aging of the skin. Also, if you get burnt, immediately treat the burn with an aloe vera plant or high-quality aloe vera gel or lotion. More about cosmetic treatments is mentioned below.

The ABCs of Skin Cancer

With summer around the corner, many of us already taking advantage of “fun in the sun.” As such, we wanted to take a moment to remind you to be safe when it comes to your skin and the sun. Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are more than 5 million non-melanoma skin cancer cases in the United States alone. Of that 5 million, 3 million people are treated. That’s a lot of people impacted by skin cancer! Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most treatable and curable forms of cancer, and the earlier it’s caught, the better.

To help you identify skin cancer on your body, it’s important to do regular scans at least once a month. If you need, have someone you trust to look over your back, since it’s not as easy to access or see alone. As you scan your body, you want to look for any moles—flat or raised—that look suspicious or have changed in any way. Consider the following during your exam:

(A) Asymmetry – One side of the mole looks different than the other side.

(B) Border – The border of the mole is irregular in shape.

(C) Color – The color of the mole is not the same throughout.

(D) Diameter – The mole’s diameter is larger than 6mm.

(E) Evolving Size – The mole has changed color, size, or shape.

If any of the above is true for any of the moles on your body, make an appointment with your physician. Again, the sooner skin cancer is caught, the easier it is to cure, so don’t hesitate if you have any concerns at all.

Non-invasive cosmetic treatments can help repair sun damage

At DermaTouch RN, we have a variety of treatments that can help repair sun damage, which can help prevent skin cancer in the future. For example, skin resurfacing with laser treatments is a great way to repair the skin, as well as induce collagen production to help the skin look healthier overall. The Skin Pen II Microneedling and Vivace Radiofrequency Microneedling treatments also supports repairing the skin from sun damage.

Protect from sunburn with sunscreen

Given that 90% of premature aging is due to the sun, per the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s essential to choose a sunscreen that protects the skin from sun damage. By putting the right precautions in place, it is possible to prevent sunscreen. As your premier Houston MedSpa, DermaTouch RN can support you in developing a plan to prevent premature aging caused by sun damage.

Skin Care Products in Houston, TX

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests you wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect you from the sun. Also, make sure it’s water-resistant.

DermaTouch RN offers top-of-the-line skincare products, such as SkinMedica and Elta MD, to both protect the skin and repair damage.

Save 25% on SkinMedica in store for May

SkinMedica, made by Allergan (the makers of Botox and Juvederm) is backed by extensive science and research. DermaTouch RN is offering SkinMedica skincare at 25% off for the month of May when you buy 3 SkinMedica skin care basics, which can include their amazing and clinically proven sunscreen. Included in the special are SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair and SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield.

DermaTouch RN is your Houston MedSpa of choice

It’s important to us that we pull together as a community to educate about skin care, including skin cancer and how to protect the skin from it. For more than a decade, DermaTouch RN has been serving the Houston community. Contact us online to schedule a consultation to discuss a plan to help you prevent sun damage and repair damage, as well.

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DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.