May is National Melanoma Month, created by the American Academy of Dermatology to raise awareness of skin cancer and encourage early detection.
Skin cancer is America’s most common but most preventable cancer. Practicing prevention and self-checks, and seeing your dermatologist regularly, are some of the best ways to protect yourself. Staying diligent about the health of your skin can help save your life.
Dr. Angela Bowers is a board-certified dermatologist who opened Southlake Dermatology in 1999. She completed undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University and graduated with honors at UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas. Following an internal medicine internship at Baylor University Medical Center, she completed a dermatology residency at UT Southwestern. She’s been named to Texas Monthly’s Super Doctors list and among Fort Worth and 360 West magazines’ “Top Docs” rankings.
Southlake Dermatology provides medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologic treatments to patients across Dallas/Fort Worth.
Following are some of Dr. Bowers’ tips for protecting your skin while enjoying the great outdoors:
Use a zinc oxide sunscreen containing physical blockers. Physical blockers, as opposed to chemical sunscreens, create a barrier on the skin that reflects UV rays away from the body.
Consider supplements. Heliocare® is a dietary capsule with clinically proven antioxidant properties to protect skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. This supplement, studied by Harvard researchers and determined to offer very good protection, can be used in conjunction with sunscreen, Dr. Bowers says.
“It’s great for golfers, spring breakers and other outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re on the water and your sunscreen starts to fade, this product provides excellent backup. You can take it on days you’ll be in the sun or take it every day with a sunscreen if you’re at higher risk,” she notes. Heliocare® is available through Southlake Dermatology’s online store (https://store.southlakedermatology.com/).
Wear sun protective clothing. “Graded fabrics offer different levels of SPF protection. For younger children, swim shirts and a hat can be easier than trying to keep sunscreen on,” Dr. Bowers says.
Try powder sunscreen and don’t forget your lips. Colorescience® mineral sunscreen brand offers non-chemical sun protection with an added defense against environmental stressors.
“Colorescience® developed a powder sunscreen that really put them on the map,” Dr. Bowers says. “You dust it on your face; it won’t get in your eyes or sting. Men love it for the scalp, it isn’t greasy, and provides protection for balding spots. It also doesn’t degrade the way sunscreens do after time.”
The brand also makes sunscreen lip gloss in different colors.
The old days of thick, pasty zinc oxide are over. Remember the heavy white paste lifeguards used to wear at the pool? That’s all changed now, Dr. Bowers says. Products like those made by Elta MD Skincare provide transparent zinc oxide protection that’s less likely to cause skin irritations or allergies than chemical sunscreens. Elta also offers a broad spectrum UV lip balm and tinted UV-blocking moisturizers for skin types including dry or oily.
All shades need protection. While skin cancer is more common among those with fair complexions, like blondes and redheads, people of all skin tones can get skin cancer. UVA rays also hasten the aging process, producing lines and wrinkles.
Compare labels. Look for zinc oxide as the first ingredient listed in your sunscreen: 7-12% is dermatologist preferred. The overall sunscreen rating should be 30 or above.
Ears burn too. Dr. Bowers recommends wearing hats during outdoor activities. Broader brimmed hats provide better coverage than baseball caps. Especially for women, the doctor advises dusting sunscreen powder around the ears and inside the crevices when wearing your hair pulled back or up. It’s important to also protect around the eyebrows and at the top of the hairline.
Stay in touch with your doctor. If you notice any changes to your skin, make an appointment with your dermatologist – and if you're outdoorsy, Dr. Bowers recommends starting regular in-office skin checks around age 30.
Dr. Bowers has been a Southlake resident for 25 years. Her office is in the Southlake Methodist Hospital building.
