The cause of most skin cancers is sun damage to the skin. It is the ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sunshine which does the damage. Skin cells which are damaged are at greater risk of becoming abnormal and cancerous. Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply often, especially after you come out of the water and if you are perspiring. Be sure to use enough, at least a teaspoon for the face and a tablespoon for each arm for example. Finally, replace your unused sunscreen each year.

Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreens is best to protect from burns (UVB) and photo-aging (UVA). Look for a minimum of SPF 15. There are several ingredients that block UVB, however, UVA rays represent 95% of UV radiations. It is difficult to block the entire UVA spectrum and may require several active ingredients. Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide are examples of good protection from UVA and UVB radiation.

In the dermis is a network of collagen and elastin proteins which help to keep our skin youthful and tight. As we age and get more sun exposure, those proteins simply break down faster than our skin can rebuild them. Eventually, our skin may start to sag; exhibiting signs of photo-aging like wrinkles, lines or changes in pigment and texture.

But healthy habits - most of all wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day - can go far to hold on to a youthful appearance (and it's inexpensive). Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply often, especially after you come out of the water and if you are perspiring. Be sure to use enough, at least a teaspoon for the face and a tablespoon for each arm for example. Finally, replace your unused sunscreen each year.

Daily application of broad-spectrum sunscreens is best to protect from burns (UVB) and photo-aging (UVA). Look for a minimum of SPF 15. There are several ingredients that block UVB; however, UVA rays represent 95% of UV radiations. It is difficult to block the entire UVA spectrum and may require several active ingredients. Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide are examples of good protection from UVA and UVB radiation.

Since UV damage accelerates aging and puts one at increased risk for skin cancer, the most effective strategy as with other health issues is prevention! Prevention includes the use of photo protection, i.e., sunscreens, fabrics, hats, and avoidance of sun exposure (from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m).

Ways we can help minimize the damage once done? We can begin with the use of good basic skin care. We can recommend treatment to improve the complexion prevent excessive premature aging such as topical applications, chemical peels, and lasers to remove or minimize unwanted pigment changes and fine lines and wrinkles. With the use of Fillers and Botox we can minimize or remove deep lines. Resurfacing can help with the removal of deep wrinkles. For sagging skin from weakened collagen and elastic fibers, innovative technology using radio frequency and lasers can help to tighten and remodel the collagen deep within the dermis.

Melanoma is usually an asymmetrical mole, with uneven borders: that does not have a uniform color, and typically is larger than 6mm in diameter. Melanoma usually changes faster than other moles in size, shape, color or size.

An easy way to remember the above qualities of melanoma is to look for "ABCDE" of a mole.

"A" represents asymmetry in shape of the mole

"B" is for borders and edges that look uneven, ragged and not smooth.

"C" stands for color variation or change. Melanomas can have different, patchy or uneven coloring. These colors may include (but not limited to) brown, blue, red, pink, gray, tan or white.

"D" refers to the diameter of melanoma which usually is larger than 6mm (1/4 inch). There are some melanomas that are smaller than 6mm.

"E" is for evolution or change in melanoma. This evolution is typically over short period of time and can be related to the shape, size, or color or the mole. All new moles as well as existing lesions that are rapidly changing need to be examined.

Not all skin cancers look the same. A cancerous skin lesion can look like a mole, dry flaky spot, sore that does not heal, or any other skin abnormality. In general any noticeable change such as a new mole, new sore lesion or change in an existing mole should be addressed; as it could be indication of skin cancer. For example: Basal Cell Carcinoma usually begins as a small, dome shaped bump, while Squamous Cell Carcinoma may appear as a persisting ulceration of skin or wart-like lesion.

Our sales rep will extract information from your website and upload your Before/After photos. You can be as involved as you want to be when it comes to making your profile or leave this task entirely in the hands of our competent sales rep who will take care of everything. In most cases, your listing will be posted within 24 hours.

No one is immune from skin cancer. However, the chance of developing skin cancer increases when an individual has one or more of the following risk factors: - Fair skin, especially with red or blond hair and blue, green, gray eye color.

- Number and severity of sunburns in person's life

- Immediate family member with history of melanoma

- Personal history of skin cancer

- Diagnoses with actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions)

- Lots of sun-exposure

- Skin that has tendency to burn than tan

- History of atypical moles (diagnosed through biopsy)

- Exposure to UV rays (sun, or tanning beds)

- Having more than 50 moles

- Weakened immune system (for example HIV patients)

- Long-term use of immunosuppressant medications. These medications are used for example to prevent organ rejection after organ transplant, or in cases of severe inflammatory conditions such as severe arthritis.

It is recommended to have your skin checked for signs of skin cancer annually; minimize sun exposure; and wear sunscreen to minimize your risks of developing skin cancer.

We treat spider veins which are very superficial with very fine needles and this is associated with a mild stinging sensation at times. However, it is very tolerable. Compression wraps are then applied and to be worn for about 3 days. The leg veins may appear to be darker for a week to 10 days before they improve. Final results are seen between 30 to 60 days. Some veins will require more than one treatment for the best results. Therefore it is best not to plan treatments too close to your special event or vacation.

Part of the normal aging process involves changes in the function of our skin and we don't produce as much of our natural oils as we used to. Plain and simple. Using soaps on our skin as we bath can make this worse. Therefore, soaps and washes are best applied to the hairy areas of our bodies and using plain water in other areas more then soaps can improve dry skin.

A full body skin exam during your first office visit is highly recommended. Our providers are expertly trained to examine the skin for any signs of skin cancer and this portion of the exam is critical tool for preventative health care. You will be asked to point out any areas that are especially concerning to you. You will also be asked if you have a history of skin cancer or malignant melanoma or if you have a family history of malignant melanoma. The frequency of return check-ups will depend on your specific medical history.