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Protecting the Skin You're In
Your skin is your largest organ, and it’s your body’s first line of defense against damage from the outside world. There are lots of different skin conditions that can affect your skin health, from hereditary conditions like rosacea and eczema to acute conditions like rashes and skin cancer.
While it’s normal for your skin to suffer some wear-and-tear throughout the years — it’s why lines and wrinkles appear with age — that doesn’t mean protecting your skin shouldn’t be a priority.
About 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and it’s the most common type of cancer. Along with skin cancer, sun damage can be a direct cause of wrinkles, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation.
Taking care of your skin could mean fewer wrinkles and a reduced risk of serious health complications like cancer.
Elvira Klause, MD, and our team are here to offer skin protection advice, as well as a range of dermatology procedures designed to protect, restore, and revitalize the skin you’re in.
Wear sunscreen every day
The sun causes skin damage because its rays contain ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV light damages skin cells, and it can lead to sunburn, premature aging, wrinkles, skin cancer, and more.
Staying out of the sun is the best way to prevent sun damage, but completely avoiding sunshine is impossible. Instead, do your best to stay in the shade when the sun’s rays are strongest, between 10am and 4pm. Wear lightweight layers that protect your arms and legs, and a hat to keep the sun off your face.
Everyone over the age of 6 months should wear sunscreen every day. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Remember to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days and in the winter, and reapply regularly if you’re in the water or sweating.
Take care of your skin
Wearing sunscreen regularly is one of the best ways to protect against skin issues like premature aging and skin cancer, but it doesn’t protect against all types of skin conditions.
That’s why Dr. Klause and our team are proud to offer personalized skin care treatments for a variety of needs.
For mild skin issues like fine lines and wrinkles or dull complexion, chemical peels and microdermabrasion facials slough off dead and damaged skin cells, increasing cell turnover and giving you a natural glow.
Acne scar removal can eliminate uneven skin and scars from severe acne, while laser treatment can remove noncancerous growths like moles and warts, leaving you with smoother skin and enhanced confidence.
Screening for skin cancer
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends performing monthly self-exams to check your skin for signs of cancer. Search your skin for growths, spots, and moles that appear unusual or change from month to month. Make note of open sores that don’t heal within a few weeks.
If you notice anything suspicious, contact us for an appointment. Even if you don’t notice anything unusual, get an annual skin exam for the best chance at detecting skin cancer in its early stages. If we identify a suspicious area, a skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
Skin cancer treatment
While skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers, it’s also one of the most treatable — especially if it’s diagnosed early. Dr. Klause specializes in oncology procedures and skin cancer treatment.
Depending on the type of skin cancer you have, you may be able to choose from a few different treatment options. Grenz ray treatment involves mild radiation to kill cancer cells, while electrodesiccation and curettage treatment may be a good option to remove cancerous growths.
Find comprehensive dermatology services and skin cancer care at the office of Dr. Klause in San Clemente, California. Call us at 949-276-8050 or request an appointment online to learn more. We also accept telehealth appointments.
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