As summer rolls around again, the siren sound of the beach is calling most of the nation to make their yearly pilgrimage. But before you slap on those sunglasses and motor down to your local watering hole, be sure to take care of your most vulnerable organ, your skin!


As any good dermatologist would tell you, the Sun’s UV rays are extremely harmful to skin, especially in the summer months when UV is highest. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Skin cancer is caused by ultra violet radiation that is emitted by the Sun. Currently, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will suffer from skin cancer in their lives, so protecting yourself from the sun is very important.


There are three types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous because it the most likely to spread. Today, over 1 million Americans are living with melanoma. However, if you know what to look for, skin cancer can be caught early, which makes it much easier to treat. Here are three things to do to prevent skin cancer from happening to you!


GO TO A REPUTABLE DERMATOLOGIST
You go to the doctor for check-ups for your whole body, why shouldn’t you go and get regular check-ups for your skin? Dermatologists are not just for acne problems, aesthetician services, or scar removal, they’re also there to advise you on skin health and preventative medicine.


DO A “MONTHLY MOLE” CHECK
Skin cancer can present as shiny red bumps, a red itchy patch, a wart like growth, or a visible change in an existing mole. If the mole changes shape, darkens to black, or develops a red ring around it, it’s worth having a licensed dermatologist check it out. Better safe than sorry!


WEAR SUNSCREEN
This may seem like a no brainer, but most people only think about sunscreen when they’re at the beach and in danger of getting burned. In reality, sunscreen can and should be used regularly, especially if you spend a good bit of your time outside. Besides keeping your skin sunburn free, it will also help protect against the accumulation of wrinkles.


These three simple tips will go a long way in helping to prevent and stop skin cancer. For more information about the different types of skin cancer and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you, visit your local dermatology center and make an appointment. Don’t forget to have fun this summer, and always wear sunscreen!