Dermatologist in Colorado Springs, CO.

How your dermatologists in Colorado Springs, CO, can help you prevent skin cancer

It’s wonderful to spend time out in the sun, but it may not be so wonderful for your skin. Excessive, unprotected sun exposure can lead to sun damage, early signs of aging, and skin cancer. Fortunately, you can do a lot to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.

Drs. Brett Matheson, Christopher Sartori, and Martin Harris at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center Of Colorado Springs, in Colorado Springs, CO, provide comprehensive skin care services, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer.

So, what is the best skincare routine for summer skin cancer prevention? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should:

• Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 before going outside
• Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if you plan on being outside for a long period of time
• Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 if you are fair-skinned or burn easily
• Wear sun-blocking clothing including sunglasses and a hat
• Try to avoid sun exposure from 10 AM to 4 PM, when UV rays can damage your skin the most

Don’t forget to take precautions against sun exposure even when the weather is overcast, or during the winter months. You can still get sun damage and skin cancer all year long.

Doing a self-check regularly can also help prevent skin cancer. You may be the first person to notice abnormalities in your skin. You need to pay attention to:

• Dry, scaly patches of skin
• Moles with a diameter over 6 millimeters
• Moles with an odd, asymmetrical shape
• Moles that have ragged, irregular borders
• Moles that are irritated or bleeding
• Moles that have changed in color, shape, or size
• New moles that have regrown after the previous removal

To learn more about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer, talk with the experts. Call Drs. Brett Matheson, Christopher Sartori, and Martin Harris at Skin Cancer & Dermatology Center Of Colorado Springs, in Colorado Springs, CO. You can reach them in the office by calling (719) 574-0310, and in Trinidad, CO, at (800) 290-2478.