How your dermatologist in Prescott, AZ, can help you protect your skin against sun damage.

The sun on your skin feels great. Unfortunately, the sun on your skin is also damaging and increases your risk of skin cancer. You can do a lot to prevent skin damage from the sun, and your dermatologist can help.

Dr. Richard Cirelli at Sunwest Dermatology and Skin Cancer Treatment Center offer comprehensive skincare treatments and services. His office is conveniently located in Prescott, AZ, to help you.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, these tips are some of the most important ways you can protect your skin from sun damage:

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if you plan on being outside for an extended time
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 if you are fair-skinned or burn easily
• Wear sun-blocking clothing including a hat and sunglasses
• Try to stay out of the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM, when UV rays are at their most damaging

You should also do a self-check of your skin regularly, and you need to look for:

• Dry, scaly patches of skin
• Moles with a diameter over 6 millimeters
• Moles with an asymmetrical shape
• Moles that have irregular borders
• Moles that are bleeding or irritated
• Moles that have changed in size, shape, or color
• New moles that have grown back after the previous removal

You should also visit your dermatologist at least once each year for a skin examination. You should visit more frequently if you:

• Have a history of skin cancer
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Spend a lot of time out in the sun
• Are fair-skinned and burn easily

Your dermatologist can diagnose skin damage and skin cancer in its early stages, so you can seek out early treatment for the best outcome.

To learn more about skin damage prevention and treatment, call Dr. Richard Cirelli at Sunwest Dermatology and Skin Cancer Treatment Center, with an office in Prescott, AZ. You can reach him by calling (928) 445-7546, so call now.