6 ways to prevent sun damage and protect your skin

Safety doesn’t stop with sunscreen. It’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough skin exam once a year, more often if you have a history of skin cancer. And once a month you should do your own home exam. Look for any abnormalities and note any changes in texture, such as scales, bumps, or rough, uneven areas. You also want to spot any visible changes to your skin, especially around moles. “Sun exposure can alter the appearance of moles, which could be a sign of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer,” says Dr. Lipner.

When examining your skin, remember the letters A, B, C, D, and E. “A stands for asymmetry,” says Dr. Lipner. “If you were to put a line through a mole, both sides would look the same; if they don’t, it’s a warning sign. B stands for border, and the borders of your moles should be round and smooth; if they are uneven or uneven, contact your doctor for an examination. The C stands for color. “Moles with multiple colors or shades of brown or black can be a warning sign of melanoma.” D is for diameter; a mole larger than a pencil eraser could be cause for concern, says Dr. Lipner. “The letter E is the most important; it means changing: if you have a mole that changes or gets bigger, show it to a board-certified dermatologist.

This mnemonic device applies to melanomas, says Dr. Lipner, but other types of skin cancer may look different. “The most common type is basal cell carcinoma, or basal cell cancer, and these tend not to be stained. Typically the basal cells may be a red scaly spot or a small pink bump. Less common than cancer Basal cell, but more common than melanoma, is squamous cell carcinoma, and it can appear as a thickened area of ​​skin.

When it comes to your skin, it’s essential to spot any warning signs as early as possible. “Vigilance and skin self-checks are important.”