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How Breast Cancer Awareness Month Ties in With Skin Health 🎀🎀🎀

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October is always an important month for women because it’s Breast Cancer awareness month. It’s a time of year when breast cancer charities increase awareness of the condition, and educate women of the importance of early screening and detection.
 
As women, it’s necessary that we get our yearly breast exam and regularly perform self-breast exams on ourselves at home. Early diagnosis is key for detecting breast cancer. For tips on how to perform an at-home breast exam, visit breastcancer.org. As you perform your own exams at home, take the opportunity to examine your skin as well for any signs of skin cancer. Check out this guide on how to perform your own check at home.
Like the breast exam, an annual skin check with a dermatologist and regular self-checks are just as important. Overdue for your yearly skin check with a board-certified dermatologist? Click here.

How to Transition Your Skincare Routine from Summer to Fall

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With fall upon us, I’m sure you’re all starting to think about sweater weather, football tailgates (social distance style, of course!) and pumpkin spice everything! 🎃☕ With every changing season comes transition. Not only is it time to bring out the fall wardrobe, it’s time to change up your skincare too!
In the summer, when the sun is strongest, you want to put an emphasis on lighter formulas to avoid making your skin feel heavy and greasy. As the seasons change and the weather gets cooler, you’re more prone to dry and flakey skin. This is why the biggest change you should make when figuring out which products you want to use this time of year, is to choose products that are a little thicker in texture and more hydrating. Read on for our recommendations on skincare products to use this Fall season.
FACE CLEANSER
Any good skincare routine should start with cleansing. Because the colder months tend to dry our skin faster, opt for a cleanser that is gentle enough to provide a thorough cleansing but won’t strip skin of its moisture. Try our New! West Dermatology Green Tea Cleanser.
EXFOLIATOR
Summer damage can lead to dead cell build up so you will want to exfoliate a few times a week to remove dead, dry skin from the summer months. Try the Micro-Exfoliating Scrub from SkinCeuticals. This exfoliator also delivers hydration to smooth and soften the skin’s surface.
MOISTURIZER
Time to say goodbye to the lightweight, oil-free moisturizers and start opting for a thicker formula instead, to combat colder weather that causes dry skin. Try our New! West Dermatology Lipid Replenishing Soft Cream. Some of the key ingredients include apple stem cells and green tea, to improve skin texture, elasticity and total moisture balance.
A RETINOL PRODUCT 
Add a retinol to your regime to keep skin looking fresh. This amazing ingredient can help mitigate the signs of aging, acne, hyperpigmentation caused by summer sun and more. It’s better to start using these products early Fall because there is less daytime sunlight and your skin is less exposed to the sun. You don’t want to overly expose your skin to the sun when using retinol products. If you have sensitive or are prone to redness, try Skinmedica Retinol Complex 0.25. If you have normal skin type, you can start with a 0.5. Try 
SUNSCREEN
Never skip the sunscreen, no matter what time of year! Make sure it protects against UVA and UVB rays and has at least an SPF of 30 or higher. Try Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen with DNA RepairsomesÂŽ or Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen DNA RepairsomesÂŽ.
If you have any questions about any of the above skincare tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our West Dermatology dermatologists, click here. 
 
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

At West Rancho Mirage, Your Skin Health is our #1 Goal!

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Your skin health and satisfaction are our #1 goals, which is why we have made the health of your skin our top priority! For over 20 years, we have been serving our Rancho Mirage community and our team, led by Dr.’s Broska and Roshdieh, have continuously evolved to your skincare needs. Experts in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, we want to ensure that your patient experience far exceeds your expectations!
Because of you, West Rancho Mirage is better than ever!
Our Google rating is 4.9 stars out of 5! See what our patients are saying here:
WE ARE LOCATED AT:
760-459-1420
NOW OFFERING:
  • Same-day appointments
  • In-clinic and Telederm appointments
  • Male and female providers
MEET OUR PROVIDERS!
Dr. Broska has over two decades of dermatology experience and has been serving her desert community for 19 years and counting. As a highly qualified skin cancer specialist and skilled Mohs surgeon, Dr. Broska is committed to her patients and their skin health. Dr. Broska enjoys making her patients look and feel good. She has a special interest in cosmetic dermatology including injectables like Botox and fillers, chemical peels and creating personalized skin care programs for her patients. Request an appointment here.
Born into the small-town values and work ethic of Central California, Dr. Roshdieh brings a passion for personalized medicine to his patients every day. He has been practicing and conducting research in medical dermatology for more than 16 years throughout Central and Southern California. Nothing is more rewarding to Dr. Roshdieh than building relationships with his patients through education and over time. He believes that decisions should be made together and that the best information for a diagnosis comes from simply listening. Request an appointment here.
After 25 years of military service, she has certainly aimed high in career pursuits. Today April is a Physician Assistant in dermatology. She began her medical career as an administration clerk and emergency room technician at Hamilton Air Force Base in California. As a non-commissioned officer she served as an ER shift and led the Family Practice Clinic, Dermatology Clinic, and the Maternity Suite at various Air Force bases. She also taught EMT classes at Odessa College in Texas. But it was her experience as a supervisor for a busy dermatology clinic at the USAF Regional Hospital at the Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska where she found her passion. Today, April Ethridge has logged more than three decades in the field including more than 30 years as a PA. Request an appointment here.
Matt Smith rowed crew and played lacrosse for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, making him a die-hard Cornhusker fan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and worked for two years in advertising before deciding to change course and match his personal philosophy with his profession and pursue his dream. Matt believes that “keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude of owning it.” So it was only natural to switch careers and work in the healthcare field. He selected dermatology because he “likes to be able to actually see if treatment is successful, like when skin cancer or acne is gone.” He has been practicing medical and cosmetic dermatology for 15 years. Request and appointment here.
Kind and energetic, Diana Garza is a Nationally Certified Physician Assistant. Diana puts patients at ease by being a good listener. Her goal is to have every patient leave feeling as though they’ve accomplished something, whether it is getting the treatment that they needed or leaving more knowledgeable about their condition. She believes that educating patients about their particular condition is key to understanding the course of treatment. Diana was drawn to dermatology because it addresses external issues that are evident to the world. She thinks that treating imperfections, such as wrinkles, acne scarring, and sun damage can have a huge impact on the person’s psychological well being. Request an appointment here.
We know you have many options when it comes to choosing your dermatologist, and we appreciate that you’ve entrusted us as your family skin care provider. Our practice is built around our commitment to the life of your skin and we are proud to be a part of your skincare journey. Give us a call today or schedule your appointment here and come visit us today to see why Healthy Skin is Our Passion™.
Yours in Good Health,
Your West Dermatology Rancho Mirage Team

Your Labor Day Guide to Sun Protection☀️

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Labor Day is this weekend and it’s expected to be a scorcher! Are you prepared with the right sunscreen? If you pop into any makeup counter, drugstore, or grocery store, you’re likely to see atleast a half-dozen sunscreen brands. While the ubiquity of sunscreen makes it easy to stay sun-safe, the variety of options makes it hard to choose.
That’s why we’re here today to go over the sunscreen basics and list some of our favorite formulas. With this guide, you can determine the best sunscreen for you so you can be prepared for the long weekend.
First things first: There are two main types of sunscreen: 
1) Physical sunscreens deflect sunlight with the active ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Traditionally, they leave a white cast on the skin but newer versions feel great and are not nearly as thick.
2) Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use chemicals like avobenzone and oxybenzone to absorb UV rays and make them less harmful. These formulas blend invisibly into the skin.
If you already know which type of sunscreen you prefer, you may be wondering: 
WHICH BRAND IS THE BEST? We’re so glad you asked!
+ For your face, try ISDIN’s Eryfotona Actinica SPF 50, a fast-absorbing sunscreen that feels smooth on the skin, layers well under makeup, is make with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, as well as an ingredient that helps repair previous sun damage.
+ We also love SkinMedica’s Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum SPF 34 for the face for sunscreen that goes beyond UV protection to defend infrared rays while supporting the skin’s ability to restore itself.
+ For the body and water-resistant, we love EltaMD’s UV Active Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Body Sunscreen which is also great for active lifestyles.
+ For on-the-go, grab ISDIN’s Mineral Brush, your solution to reapplying SPF at 2 p.m. without messing up your mascara.
Whichever sunscreen you choose, remember to use it in conjunction with other sun-safety measures, like wearing protective clothing, seeking shade and scheduling an annual skin check with a board-certified dermatologist. As always, get in touch with us if you have any questions, or schedule your appointment HERE.
We hope you get outside and enjoy healthy, comfortable skin this Labor Day Weekend!
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team

Celebrate Relaxation Day with a DIY Spa Day🧖‍♀️

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With hair and nail salons, and other non-essential beauty businesses still closed in many areas, you’re probably feeling like you’re in desperate need of some pampering. We definitely are! Relaxation Day is coming up on August 15th, so there’s no better time than now to celebrate self-care and treat yourself to a spa day! And you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Read on for some of our best tips and DIY skincare recipes for a relaxing spa day at home.
Step 1: FIRST, SET THE MOOD
You’ll first want to recreate the atmosphere that you would experience at a day spa. Turn on some of your favorite relaxing music that will help calm you. Spas are all about invigorating the senses so smell is important. If you have a diffuser at home, perfect! Try diffusing lavender or eucalyptus essential oils, which will instantly relax you. No diffuser? No problem. You can also light your favorite candle as well.
Step 2: PICK YOUR SPA TREATMENTS
Now that your mood is set, you’ll want to next decide what bath and body treatments you want to try. The sky’s the limit really, there are so many great DIY options out there. Here are some of our favorite spa-like treatments for face and body.
Matcha Glow Mask
¡      1 ½ tsp water
¡      1 tbsp matcha or green tea powder
¡      1 ½ tsp honey
¡      1 tbsp olive oil
¡      Apply for 10 minutes then rinse off
Why it’s good for your skin: it strengthens the capillary walls and helps increase circulation to the skin, giving you that beautiful hydrated glow you deserve. The matcha is naturally anti-bacterial so it helps remove excess oils from your skin and also provides a soothing coolness that helps reduce redness.
Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub
¡      Mix one-part olive or coconut oil with 2 parts sugar
¡      Add ground dry oats and honey for hydration and calming properties.
Why it’s good for your skin: Honey is a humectant and oats are soothing and gently exfoliate.
Moisturizing Body Lotion
After you exfoliate, make sure to add hydration back into the skin with a moisturizing body lotion.
¡      Mix all together: ½ cup coconut oil, and
¡      1 tsp vitamin E oil
¡      If you want to add a slight scent: 6 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, tea tree, etc.)
¡      When done, you can store the rest in a glass jar
Why it’s good for your skin: the coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial and moisturizing. It is comprised mostly of nourishing fatty acids that hydrate the skin. Vitamin E oil works to block free radicals from your skin, which in turn, helps reduce wrinkles and keeps your skin looking young. It is also an anti-inflammatory which calms and hydrates the skin.
Eucalyptus Bath Bombs
What better way to feel like you’re really at the spa then to relax in a warm tub with a fizzy bath bomb. They’re great because they smell amazing, help you decompress and they leave your skin feeling silky soft. We’ve chosen eucalyptus here because it’s one of the most common scents in a spa but you can choose to incorporate any scent you like!
¡      1 cup baking soda
¡      Â˝ cup citric acid
¡      Â˝ cup Epsom salts
¡      Â˝ cup corn starch
¡      3 tbsp oil (almond or coconut are preferable)
¡      Water spritzer
¡      5 – 30 drops essential oil of your choice (we chose eucalyptus)
¡      Soap coloring or pigment
Directions: mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Whisk to mix all ingredients together. Add the oil (almond or coconut) and whisk again to mix. Add essential oil of your choice, about 5 – 30 drops depending on how strong you like your fragrance. Add soap coloring of your choice to give it a fun color. Very carefully spritz the mixture with water 3 times, whisking as you spritz to avoid a reaction with the citric acid. After spritzing, pick up the mixture in your hand and form into a ball. If it starts to crumble, continue adding water one spritz at a time until it holds shape. Once formed into a ball, place into a bath bomb mold and secure both sides. Let dry for several hours and remove from mold. It’s ready for your bath!
Lavender Foot Soak
To soothe aches and treat calluses, you can create your own foot soak with calming lavender. (You can try this with any scent you want). Love the smell of peppermint? Swap out lavender oil for peppermint oil.
¡      Â˝ cup Epsom salts
¡      Â˝ cup fine Himalayan pink sea salt
¡      20 drops lavender essential oil
¡      1 tbsp dried lavender buds, optional
Directions: Pour Epson salts into a foot tub, big enough to fit your feet. Add sea salt and lavender essential oil. Pour about 2 quarts warm water into the foot tub and add the dried lavender buds (if using). Soak feet for 20 mins, when done, dry feet with a towel.
And it’s as easy as that. Spa day at home! It’s important to take some time out for yourself every so often and pamper yourself. It’s not just good for your body and skin, but for your mental health as well. And these are the perfect recipes because they are safe for your skin and all natural.
As always, we’re here for you so if you have any questions at all regarding your skin health, do not hesitate to give us a call and we are more than happy to answer them for you or help you setup your in-clinic or telehealth visit.
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team

Tips on How to Look Your Best on Zoom 💻

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If you’re like the majority of us, by now you are very well acquainted with the ever-popular Zoom virtual call. Most likely you’ve spent several hours in the last few months on Zoom for meetings, classes, happy hours, and family gatherings. With virtual meetings becoming more and more regular for working professional and distant learner students, we may as well optimize how our skin looks on camera. Why rely on good lighting and filters to make your skin glow on screen when you could just follow a few of these simple steps to putting your best face forward on Zoom. 
STEP 1: WEAR NIGHT CREAM
The first thing you should do is set your skin up for morning success the night before. After cleansing your skin before bed, apply a good quality night cream on your face, neck, and décolleté. This will rejuvenate your skins’ appearance, tone, and texture, creating a good skin base in the morning. We recommend West Dermatology Enriched Night Cream.
STEP 2: CLEANSER
After you wake up fresh and rejuvenated, you’ll want to start taking on the day by using your face cleanser on your skin. This will wash away the night cream, and any oil and sweat that could have collected while you slept. This necessary step will get your skin prepped for your daytime skincare routine and will help the products absorb better. We recommend Alastin Gentle Cleanser for a gentle clean that wont dry out or irritate the skin.
STEP 3: ANTIOXIDANT SERUM
Next you’ll want to apply an antioxidant rich face serum. This is an important step in protecting your skin against environmental and UV damage. Vitamin C serums are a great choice and are key in brightening up your complexion and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Hello face glow! Your skin will love SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant vitamin C serum.
STEP 4: EYE CREAM
Moisturizing the skin around your eyes comes next. Eyes are the window to the soul and the first thing people see on your zoom calls so you’ll want to ensure that your eyes look bright and youthful. Opt for a rich eye cream that will improve the look of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. We recommend Skinmedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream.
STEP 5: MOISTURIZER
When reaching for your moisturizer, make sure you’re using one that is lightweight since you don’t want to add extra shine to the already unforgiving video camera. Apply to your entire face, neck and décolleté to create instant vibrance and glow. We recommend EltaMD AM Therapy Facial Moisturizer.
STEP 6: PROTECT! APPLY SPF
Finish off your routine with some good old-fashioned SPF. You know this is our #1 tip always! You’ll still want to apply SPF even when you’re indoors and near windows because glass does not block out UVA rays that can cause skin aging, wrinkles, and pigmentation. You can even opt for a tinted version that will act as a foundation and cover up discoloration and even skin tone. We recommend Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen DNA RepairsomesÂŽ.
*BONUS TIP*: PROTECT AGAINST BLUE LIGHT
One more special tip to add to your ‘look amazing on Zoom’ skincare routine – give your skin one more added boost of protection against the blue light that you’re exposed to while on video calls. Long-term blue light exposure can cause skin discoloration, inflammation, and weakening of the skin’s surface. We recommend this Lumivive two step system by SkinMedica. Swap out your daily serum for this Day Damage Defense Serum and before applying your night cream at night, liberally apply the Night Revitalize Repair Complex.
Starting with a great skincare base is key here to look your best on Zoom! Once you’ve got that down, you can follow with your makeup and hair routine to finish off your look. If you have any questions about any of the above tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists, click here. 
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team

Do You Have ‘Maskne’ & Skin Irritations From Your Face Mask?

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Whether you’re on a grocery store run, or an essential healthcare worker wearing protective gear for hours on end (thank you!), you may be noticing a skin reaction known as mask acne, or “maskne,” that could look like redness, irritation, or pimples around your cheeks, mouth and jawline. Since masks are necessary in the effort to reduce the spread of C-19, the only thing we can do to give our skin some well-deserved relief is to follow these guidelines suggested by a few of our board-certified dermatologists. 
But first, WHAT IS ‘MASK-NE’?
Mask-ne is a new term that refers to the acne, skin irritation and redness that is caused from wearing a face mask. “Acne that occurs under the face mask results from pressure of the mask on the skin,’ said Dr. Jessica Riley, a West Derm board-certified dermatologist. “This process clogs pores and creates a unique environment for bacteria to flourish.” To say ‘Goodbye’ to pesky mask-ne, try some of these tips below:
BE SELECTIVE WHEN CHOOSING YOUR MASK
Make sure you’re choosing your daily mask wisely. Pay extra close attention to the material / fabric that it’s made from because this could be an indicator of how likely you are to develop mask-ne. Choosing a more breathable fabric, like 100% cotton, will lessen the chance of sweating as much and trapping unwanted oil and bacteria, which can cause breakouts. Also make sure to regularly clean your mask with hot water and air or tumble dry.
AVOID USING A LOT OF MAKEUP
Makeup can always be a potential skin irritant, depending on your skin type. But adding in another factor, like a face mask, can cause even more irritation because it traps oxygen and doesn’t allow the skin to properly breathe. “There’s really no need to wear lower face make-up under a mask,” said Dr. Mitchel Goldman, West Derm Medical Director. “Give your skin a breather and just apply to your eyes.” This will also help your makeup supply last longer. Why waste makeup under your mask when no one can see it anyways, right?
STREAMLINE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
Now is a great time to simplify your skincare routine and go back to basics. Air flow is restricted under that mask and causes stagnant air, which creates the perfect recipe for sweat and oil to clog up your pores and cause acne. For that reason, it’s still important to cleanse & protect your skin barrier with cleanser and moisturizer. “To cleanse the skin, use a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser or micellar solution,” said Dr. Riley. “And when choosing a moisturizer, make sure it is ‘non-comedogenic’, meaning it will not further clog pores.” You can also incorporate some acne treatment specific products as well. ‘If trying to treat your acne at home, avoid topical steroid creams as this can thin the skin, promote new blood vessels and cause acne breakouts,” said Dr Goldman. We recommend our West Derm 4-Step Acne Treatment Kit, with proven acne-fighting ingredients.
STILL WEAR SUNSCREEN!
We can’t preach this enough, and this is always our #1 tip! Make sure you are still wearing sunscreen all over your face because sun rays can still get past the mask fabric. Pay extra close attention to the exposed skin on your forehead and around the mask. Always wear an SPF of 50 or higher and try to wear added layers of protection when out in the sun, like sunglasses and a hat. Take it from us, you probably want to avoid getting funny looking tan lines of a mask outline on your face. Just sayin’! 😉 Check out our favorite sunscreens available to ship directly to you here.
If you’re still experiencing maske and irritation after following the above tips, or have any questions, give us a call and make your appointment today. Our board-certified dermatologists can assist you with putting together a specialized skincare regime specific to your skincare needs.
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

5 Summer Skincare Tips for Healthy Skin!

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For many, summer is the best time of the year with its long days, endless bbq’s, and time underneath the sun. With all the fun we’re having outdoors and getting our tan on, we need to be extra cautious of our skin health and make sure that we’re still moisturizing and protecting with SPF. 
Warmer temps do bring on more sweating and oily skin which can cause breakouts, so you may be wondering, ‘should I really be wearing moisturizer when it’s 95 degrees outside and my face feels oily?’ The answer is yes! Read on to learn more about summer skincare tips and how to keep your skin healthy this season (without that extra unwanted shine!) 
Make some adjustments to your skincare regime
Just like you wouldn’t wear thick, heavy clothing from colder months right now, you won’t want to use heavy skincare products either because it could just weigh your skin down and add more oil than you want. So lighten up your routine…instead of using thick, heavy cream cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreens, opt for more gentle options like a foaming cleanser or lightweight moisturizer. 
Don’t stop moisturizing
Even though summer brings on heat and humidity, you don’t want to completely stop moisturizing. FYI, that extra layer of sweat on your face does NOT count as moisturizer! You still want to follow cleansing with a moisturizer because it protects your skin from harmful pollutants and prevents further dryness. We recommend lightweight moisturizers like SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal.
Introduce an antioxidant rich serum to your routine
Investing in a high-grade antioxidant serum (containing vitamin or polyphenols) is great year round but even more important in the summer months. Vitamin C helps improve the appearance of fine line which can be caused by sun damage. It also helps combat inflammation, prevents hyperpigmentation and helps with collagen production. Rub in a few drops into your skin after cleansing and before your moisturizer. We recommend SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Antioxidant Serum.
Slow down on exfoliation
Continue exfoliating in the summer but keep to a minimum, one to two times a week because exfoliation can increase sun sensitivity and irritate sunburned skin even more. You’ll still want to exfoliate to get rid of pore-cloggers such as pollution, humidity, SPF, and sweat but instead of using irritating scrubs, opt for gentler options like foaming cleansers or a cleanser with gentle exfoliants like SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser.
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
The most important tip of all is to always make sure you’re wearing sunscreen! Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and, if you’re in the sun, don’t forget to apply every few hours everywhere, including your hands, feet, ears, and lips. We love EltaMD’s UV Daily Broad-Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen w/ SPF 40, either the Tinted version OR Non-Tinted version. Both are amazing and will protect your skin all summer long!
 
If you have any questions about any of the above tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our West Dermatology dermatologists, click here. 
Yours in good health and happiness, 
Your West Dermatology Team

How to Perform a Skin Check on Yourself

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Skin cancer is one of the few cancers that if caught early, can be treated, including melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. In addition to your yearly skin evaluation with a dermatologist, another important key in prevention and successful treatment is performing a personal skin exam. When the disease is found early, the survival rate is an amazing 99%.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you perform a skin check monthly to help identify any changing lesions that might be cancerous or precancerous. If you do find something atypical, it’s important you see one of our board-certified dermatologists at West Dermatology, who are specialists in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. They can then conduct a more thorough exam to determine whether or not the abnormality is potentially harmful.

Learn What to Look for with Skin Cancer

First, don’t be alarmed if you find a mole or two (or more). A normal mole is smooth to the touch and has a consistent color, be it brown, black, or tan. It has a consistent border, as well, and is oval or round, and it could have a flat or raised profile.
 
An irregular mole that you should have checked more comprehensively has an irregular shape or jagged border. It’s rough to the touch and is often a combination of colors: various shades of brown throughout the lesion or a mixture of red, white, and/or blue.
 
In addition, be aware of new spots or lesions, or look for older ones that have changed in color, shape, size, or texture. Furthermore, be on the lookout for atypical sores, lumps, or blemishes, especially ones that crust over, bleed, itch, ooze, and itch as well as cause pain or are tender to the touch.
 

What You’ll Need to Perform a Skin Check

 
Although you can adequately perform a skin check any time, doing so at shower or bath time, is convenient, as you’ll already be naked. It doesn’t matter if it’s before or after, but looking at as much skin as possible is a must. If available, enlist the help of a partner, as a second pair of eyes is always a good idea to make sure nothing is missed, particularly on the scalp or back.
 
Here’s what else you should use:
 
  • A good, bright light
  • A full-length mirror
  • A hand mirror
  • Two chairs and/or stools
  • A brush and/or hairdryer
 

The Simple Step-by-Step Skin Check Process

 

  1. Facing the full-length mirror, examine your lips, nose, mouth, forehead, ears, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, underarms, hands, palms, between the fingers, the fronts of the thighs, and the shins. If you’re a woman, lift up your breasts to check the undersides.
  2. Continue by bending your elbows to examine your forearms and the backs of your upper arms.
  3. Standing with your back to the full-length mirror and using the hand mirror, inspect the back of your neck, shoulders, upper back, and any part of your upper arms that you could not clearly view earlier.
  4. Continue in this position by scanning your lower back, buttocks, and the upper part of the back of your legs.
  5. Check your scalp by parting your hair – with a brush and/or hairdryer, if necessary â€“ as well as around and behind your ears.
  6. While sitting on a stool or chair, prop your feet up and check the backs of your calves as well as the tops and bottoms of your feet, including between the toes.
  7. Finally, still sitting, use the hand mirror to examine your genitalia and any parts of the buttocks or upper legs you may have missed.
 

Contact West Dermatology for a More Comprehensive Skin Check

 
If you find an irregularity or skin change that cannot be explained, contact the skin cancer experts at West Dermatology immediately to schedule a full, comprehensive skin exam. In addition to performing your skin check monthly, it’s important to schedule an annual skin check with our dermatologists. Don’t wait – it could save your life.

MYTH OR FACT: Does the sun clear acne? ☀️

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There are many benefits to the sun. It can lift our mood, help create vitamin D which is essential for healthy and strong bones, and according to many people, it helps with acne. Unfortunately for the sun bakers out there, this is outright wrong as sunlight can actually trigger a particular variety of acne known as Acne Aestivalis, more commonly known as Mallorcan Acne. And while you may not care about the formal names of this reaction, what you should know is that it darkens the appearance of acne scars, or hyperpigmentation.  GASP! This may come as a shock to you if you grew up listening to a mother or grandmother tell you that the sun in fact does help with acne. 
 
Why did people get it wrong?
The reason people believe the sun helps with acne is that the sun deposits different wavelengths of light. Some of these wavelengths can help acne, however, they are accompanied by harmful rays that not only darken and worsen the appearance of acne, but also other components that cause skin cancer and other negative side effects. Overall, overexposure to the sun far outweighs the temporary affect the sun CAN have on acne, but most of the time does not.
So what on earth can I do about acne?!
If you are going into panic mode thinking of all the time you have spent in the sun trying to clear pesky acne spots, fear not! Instead, you can visit one of our board-certified dermatologists who can assess your acne in-person and recommend the best treatment plan that is customized to you and your skin type. We’ll find a solution for you without all the troublesome side-effects.
Schedule your visit today and we will have you taken care of in no time!
Yours in good health,
A Family of Dermatology Practices