Blog | Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, GA

October 5, 2026

Managing Fall Eczema Flare-Ups: Tips from The Eczema Center at DAA

October is recognized as National Eczema Awareness Month, raising awareness for a skin condition that affects over 31 million people in the United States. During this transition from summer into fall, seasonal flare-ups often occur for patients with eczema, which can be frustrating and painful. The Eczema Center at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is the regional authority on eczema, with a team of board-certified providers who can help patients manage their flare-ups.

What Is Eczema and What Causes It?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, red, and itchy skin rashes. It’s non-contagious and can affect anyone, especially those with a family history of the condition. It often appears on the hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, cheeks, ears, and lips. There are several types of eczema which each have its own unique triggers. Patients may have more than one type of eczema that they’re dealing with. Common causes of eczema include an overactive immune system, genetics, and intense emotional triggers, including high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression. The Eczema Center at DAA is the expert at diagnosing a patient’s specific trigger for the condition and providing advice on how to manage symptoms long-term. Trigger identification is done through an easy, needle-free patch testing which tests the patient’s skin against a variety of potential allergens. Depending on the patient and the results, treatments such as customized topical prescription medication, oral medications, injectable medications, light therapy, or a combination of other treatments will be recommended. While many patients seek help through natural remedies and over-the-counter creams, these solutions may not provide enough relief for persistent or severe eczema symptoms.

Why Does Eczema Flare Up in the Fall?

Fall is characterized by lower humidity, high winds, seasonal allergens like dust mites, and indoor heating, which strip the natural lipids from our skin. These lipids provide a protective barrier between the skin and its cells to lock in moisture and deter irritants. For those who deal with seasonal dryness in their skin, this loss of moisture might cause temporary minor flaking. However, for a person dealing with eczema, this loss of moisture will lead to a flare up of intense itching and redness. Another factor in why eczema flares up in the fall is due to cool-weather clothing. Sweaters and scarves are often made from heavy wool or synthetic fabrics, which will rub against sensitive skin and lead to a worsening of symptoms.

How to Prevent Fall Eczema Flare-Ups

The best way to help prevent or lessen eczema flare ups in the fall is by trying the “soak and seal” method. Start by taking a warm shower as opposed to a hot one, and once you’re done, moisturize the skin within three minutes of drying off. Make sure to use a fragrance free moisturizer and a gentle cleanser to avoid irritation. Then, run a bedside humidifier each night to help lessen the loss of moisture from indoor heating. Another way to help prevent a flare-up is to switch to 100% cotton clothing, especially for your pajamas. This will allow your skin to breathe and avoid irritation through itchy fabrics.

Whether you’re new to eczema management or you’re dealing with a seasonal flare up, The Eczema Center at DAA is here to help. Our team of experts can help minimize your discomfort and create a customized treatment plan to address your unique triggers. To make an appointment, visit our website to complete an appointment request form or call our office at 404.256.4457.

September 15, 2026

Autumn Skincare Switch: Protecting Skin Barrier as the Humidity and Weather Shifts

Dermatology News, Skin Care, Skin Care Tips

Fall is officially here, bringing with it cooler temperatures and the changing colors of the leaves. During this transition from summer to fall, it’s crucial to make adjustments to your skincare. This autumn skincare switch will help keep your skin hydrated as the humidity and temperatures outside drop. We’ve curated an easy guide on how to adjust your products to best suit your skincare routine needs this fall!

How to Protect Your Skin Barrier in Fall

It’s no secret that the fall weather often leaves our skin dull and dry. The first step to hydrating your skin is to switch to a gentle cleanser that will maintain your skin’s moisture barrier. This will set the precedent for your overall skincare routine. After cleansing, the next step is to apply a Vitamin C serum. This type of serum helps repair sun damage and should be applied directly to your skin for optimum absorption. Once you’ve let the serum sink into your skin, this is when a hyaluronic acid serum should be layered on top. Hyaluronic acid serum works by drawing moisture into the skin, which provides deep hydration. This step is crucial in keeping your skin glowing and hydrated. After the serum has settled into your skin, a thick cream-based moisturizer with ceramides should be applied. Ceramides are the fats that make up 50% of the outer skin layer. Moisturizers with ceramides are a great way to repair and strengthen your skin barrier during the drier months. By making these slight tweaks to your skincare routine, your skin will be less prone to becoming dry and lifeless.

Making the Switch to Medical-Grade Skincare

Another way to ensure maximum results from your skincare routine this fall is by switching to medical-grade products. Medical-grade skincare products have been proven to provide better results than over-the-counter options according to clinical research. This is due to the products having a high concentration of active ingredients, which reach deeper into the skin’s layers. The higher strength also works to alter cellular behavior and stimulate collagen production. This allows for a deeper penetration and targeted results. At Dermatology Associates of Atlanta, we offer a wide range of medical-grade skincare lines to suit your skincare needs! Whether you’re looking for a hyaluronic acid serum or a broad-spectrum sunscreen, we have a variety of brands for you to explore and incorporate into your fall routine. Ready to give your skincare routine a seasonal refresh? Stop by Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to explore our selection of medical-grade skincare products and find options that can help keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and protected throughout the fall season.

As the weather outside cools down, now is the perfect time to adjust your skincare routine! Whether you choose to make tweaks to your products or switch to medical-grade skincare, it’s important to make some adjustments to keep your skin hydrated this fall.

September 8, 2026

Skin Care at Every Age: How Your Skincare Needs Change Through the Decades

Skin Care, Skin Care Tips

As we get older, our skincare needs drastically change due to skin aging and other factors. At DAA, our team of board-certified providers are experts at helping patients understand their skincare needs and create a personalized treatment plan. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to skin care at every age that you can use as a resource for understanding your ever-changing skincare needs!

20s: Developing the Foundation of Your Skincare

During your 20s, this is when developing a skincare routine is crucial, as it can set a foundation for your skin. There are three important steps to follow for a helpful regimen, including cleansing, hydrating, and protecting your skin. Find a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup from your face and use it twice a day. This ensures that you will have a balanced skin barrier and a healthy microbiome. Another key part is to hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid serum, which draws and locks in moisture into your skin. It’s recommended to use it on wet skin and follow up with a daily moisturizer for the best results. Lastly, daily sun protection is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature aging. Incorporating a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily routine, even when you plan on spending time indoors, will help protect your skin from free radical damage.

30s: Exfoliation and Antioxidant Defense

As you transition into your 30s, skin turnover naturally slows, leading to the appearance of fine lines on delicate areas of your skin like your eyes and mouth. You’ll also experience collagen loss, causing dry or dull skin. During this time of your life, your skincare routine needs to focus on exfoliation and antioxidant defense. Exfoliating your skin with a gentle scrub will help support skin renewal in the long run. As for protection and brightening dull skin, a vitamin C serum should be used in the morning for antioxidant protection. Another essential step in your routine is utilizing a targeted eye cream twice a day. This will brighten the under-eye area and protect the delicate skin around your eyes from forming fine lines.

40s and 50s: Hydration and Prevention

Once you’ve reached your 40s and 50s, hormonal shifts and particularly menopause significantly affect your skin health. These shifts cause your skin to lose elasticity and firmness as well as become drier. Additionally, collagen production naturally declines during this time, causing sagging skin. During this time, it’s best to focus on nurturing your mature skin through hydrating products. Switch your cleanser to one that’s hydrating to prevent stripping your skin of its natural oils. You should also incorporate serums and moisturizers that will lock in hydration and support the skin barrier.

60s and Beyond: How to Nurture Your Mature Skin

As you enter your 60s and later years, your skincare routine will need to shift to focus on nurturing your mature skin. A hydration product with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides works well for intense hydration, which is key for your skin at this point. You can also utilize retinoids that improve cell turnover and help to smooth fine lines. If you’re interested in more advanced treatment options, DAA offers a variety of cosmetic services, including dermal fillers, microneedling, and Botox treatments that can provide great results.

Skin aging is normal and occurs from a mix of natural, genetic, and environmental factors. The best way to support your skin as you get older is by adjusting your skincare routine to fit your needs. This guide is a great resource to reference for how you can best support your skincare goals. You can also schedule a consultation with one of our exceptional providers to discuss your skincare needs and help curate a personalized treatment plan!

August 3, 2026

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta: Your Skincare Experts

Laser Hair Removal, News from DAA, Skin Care, Skin Medics Medical Spa atlanta dermatology

With over 150 years of combined experience, our providers at DAA understand how to effectively detect and treat each skin condition. We pride ourselves on providing top-of-the-line care to our patients so they can look and feel their best. Our team is made up of board-certified dermatologists, PAs, and estheticians who treat a variety of conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. Whether you’re dealing with a skin condition like psoriasis or you’re seeking treatment options for hair loss, one of our eight specialty centers will craft a personalized treatment plan to address your concerns.

Eight Specialty Centers At One Location

One of the unique aspects of DAA is that we are a comprehensive dermatology practice divided into eight specialty centers. The Dermatology Center is the cornerstone of our practice and is where our providers examine, diagnose, and treat patients for skin conditions. This includes skin cancer, acne, dermatitis, rosacea, and more. For the latest facial rejuvenation techniques, our Skin Medics™ Medical Spa is the premier center! Explore a variety of treatments from microdermabrasion and facials to peels and more at this skincare focused center. If you’re looking to remove unwanted hair, The Hair Removal Center offers the most advanced hair removal techniques.

The Laser Institute of Georgia is the Southeast’s leading laser center, home to a team of experts who are trained on all of the cutting-edge laser treatments. Whether you’re looking to get rid of an unwanted tattoo, mole, or address some pesky facial wrinkles, this center does it all. It’s also a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, which is a worldwide organization that promotes excellence in patient care through the application of lasers. For hair loss, we have two dedicated centers: The Center of Hair Restoration and Research and The Center for Women’s Hair Loss. Since hair loss affects men and women differently, we have separate centers to effectively treat our patients accordingly. Lastly, The Psoriasis Treatment Center and The Eczema Center focus solely on psoriasis and eczema for a customized treatment approach.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Whether you’re dealing with a skin condition or you’re looking to get pampered with a rejuvenating facial, Dermatology Associates of Atlanta is the place for you! Along with our services, we offer monthly specials, select hours on Saturdays, and a collection of skincare offerings that are dermatologist-approved. To learn more, schedule a consultation today by filling out an Appointment Request Form or call our office at 404. 256. 4457.

August 3, 2026

Hair Loss vs. Hair Shedding: What’s the Difference?

Hair Loss dermatology, hair shedding, hairloss treatment Atlanta

Hair loss affects a large number of men and women in the United States. It can be triggered by different factors, especially in men, women, and even children, which is why it’s important to correctly identify the cause of hair loss. In some cases, excessive hair shedding may present itself as hair loss to a patient, although the two signal entirely different things. To better help our patients at DAA, we’ve curated a guide to understanding hair loss vs. hair shedding, so you can be more informed about what you may be experiencing.

What is Hair Shedding?

Hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle that is necessary to make room for new growth. The hair growth cycle consists of four primary phases: the growth phase (anagen), the transitional phase (catagen), the resting phase (telogen), and the shedding phase (exogen). During the exogen phase, hair follicles detach and fall to make room for new growth. This results in a natural loss of around 50-100 hairs a day. You’ll notice that the hair strands that you’re losing will have a club-shaped bulb at the end, which is made of keratin and is not the hair follicle itself. This signals that the hair has gone through its cycle properly. There can be a temporary increase in shedding from a variety of factors, including stress, childbirth, a recent surgery, hormonal changes, or seasonal shifts. Excessive shedding will lead to losing more than 100 hairs a day but will eventually resolve on its own within a few weeks or months once the body has time to adjust.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a condition that occurs when something stops the growth of hair follicles. Common causes include genetics, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions such as Androgenetic alopecia, harsh styling treatments, or nutrient deficiencies. Hair loss is long-term and often worsens over time, characterized by broken strands of hair without a white bulb at the root. It will not resolve itself like excessive shedding until the underlying cause is treated. It’s often accompanied by scalp symptoms, including itching, inflammation, tenderness, burning, or redness. If you don’t experience these symptoms, you may notice other factors such as a receding hairline that gets worse, a thinner ponytail, or other hair loss indicators.

When to See a Dermatologist for Hair Loss or Shedding?

If you’ve determined that you’re experiencing hair loss as opposed to excessive shedding, it’s time to reach out to our DAA team! We have two dedicated specialty centers, including The Center of Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatment and The Center of Hair Restoration and Research, that are experts in the hair loss field. Our board-certified dermatologists will put together a personalized treatment plan to address the root cause behind your hair loss so you can start looking and feeling your best. To schedule a consultation, fill out an Appointment Request Form online or contact us at 404.256.4457.

July 27, 2026

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Awareness Month

Hyperpigmentation, Melasma atlanta dermatology

July is Hyperpigmentation and Melasma Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness and provide education. Whether you’re personally affected by either of these conditions or you know someone who is, this blog is a great resource for understanding hyperpigmentation and melasma. From exploring the triggers of each condition and treatment approaches to uncovering the differences between the two conditions, this blog dives into it all.

Hyperpigmentation vs. Melasma

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes individuals to develop dark patches that are different from their natural complexion. This condition can affect people of all ages and skin types and is caused by the body naturally producing too much melanin. It can vary from tiny spots such as freckles to wide-ranging areas that alter the appearance of the skin. While it can develop anywhere on the skin, it typically will appear in areas that experience sun exposure from UV rays. This includes the neck, back, chest, hands, arms, and legs. As for melasma, this condition is a specific type of hyperpigmentation that is caused by hormonal fluctuations. Also referred to as the “pregnancy mask,” melasma is characterized by dark brown patches that develop on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip area. Understanding the difference between these two conditions is essential for developing a treatment plan.

Triggers and Treatment Options

As mentioned previously, hyperpigmentation often develops in areas of the skin that experience repeated sun exposure, which is one common trigger of the condition. However, it can also develop as a result of a reaction to medical conditions such as Cushing’s disease, scarring, excess exposure to blue light from phones and tablets, or inflammation from acne or certain rashes. It’s rare but the condition can also be triggered by an individual’s genetics. As for melasma, this type of hyperpigmentation is commonly caused by hormonal fluctuations along with sun exposure or genetic predisposition. At DAA, we offer a multi-layered approach to treating hyperpigmentation and melasma depending on the severity of the symptoms. Common treatments include prescription topicals, cosmetic laser treatments, and chemical peels. Our licensed estheticians and board-certified dermatology experts will create an individualized treatment plan to find a safe and effective way to address your condition.

If you’re suffering from hyperpigmentation or melasma, schedule a consultation with our team of board-certified dermatologists today to get a customized pigmentation treatment plan! For more information, head over to our website to read our other blog on these conditions.

July 13, 2026

Not All SPF Is Created Equal: What “Dermatologist-Level” Sunscreen Actually Means

Melasma, Skin Cancer, Sun Damage Atlanta skin cancer, melasma, sun damage, sunscreen

July is here, bringing warm weather, sunshine and of course UV Awareness Month! July is dedicated to highlighting the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and encouraging sun-smart practices to prevent skin cancer, premature aging and blinding eye diseases caused by unprotected UV exposure. As we all know by now, one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your skin is to wear sunscreen, but not all SPF is created equal! Most standard drugstore sunscreens only protect your skin from UVB rays, preventing sunburn. Whereas, dermatologist-level sunscreen, medical-grade formulations, not only protect your skin from UVB rays, but also UVA rays, infrared light and even visible blue light, helping prevent melasma and hyperpigmentation. How is dermatology-level sunscreen able to do so much more? Here are three differences between drugstore sunscreen and dermatology-level sunscreen:

Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreen

One of the biggest differences between a drugstore sunscreen and a dermatologist-level sunscreen is the ingredients used. Dermatologist-level sunscreens are often physical sunscreens, also called mineral sunscreen. Physical sunscreens contain high percentages of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide. They are thicker than chemical sunscreen and sit on the surface of the skin, deflecting heat and light. Rather than blocking the UV rays, chemical sunscreens use chemicals that absorb UV rays then turn them into heat, which can actually trigger melasma flare ups. Many people opt for chemical sunscreens because of their easier and lighter application, but it is important to consider the forms of light that physical sunscreen can block and chemical sunscreen cannot.

Iron Oxides

Visible blue light, from the sun and electronics, is an example of light that many drugstore sunscreens do not block. On top of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide, many dermatologist-level sunscreens contain Iron Oxides, which are clinically proven to block visible blue light. Tinted sunscreens have especially high levels of Iron Oxide, so if you wear makeup a tinted sunscreen is the perfect base to block blue light on days spent outdoors or in the office. Visible blue light is a major, hidden culprit behind hyperpigmentation, and many drugstore sunscreens lack the Iron Oxides to block blue light, leading to stubborn dark spots.

More Than Just Protection

The best part of dermatologist-level sunscreens is that they do so much more than just preventing sunburn. Medical-grade sunscreens are essentially advanced skincare treatments. They are formulated with medical-grade antioxidants, like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, Nicacidamine to help calm redness and DNA repair enzymes that actively reverse existing sun damage, while preventing new damage. With a dermatology-level sunscreen you’re not just protecting your skin, you’re nourishing it!

Now that you have the facts on what sets dermatologist-level sunscreens apart, you are free to go forward with your UV Awareness Month, feeling informed and prepared to make the best decisions for your skin. With all the barbeques and pool days waiting for you this July, the most important thing is to make sure you are wearing sunscreen—of any kind, whether it’s dermatologist-level or not!

June 4, 2026

Acne Awareness Month: Types, Treatments, and Helpful Tips

Acne Treatments, Microneedling, Skin Care, Skin Care Tips

June is Acne Awareness Month, a time to debunk acne myths and provide educational resources to raise awareness. Acne can affect anyone regardless of their age, race, or gender. In fact, acne is one of the most commonly diagnosed skin conditions that affects both adolescents and adults in the U.S. In honor of Acne Awareness Month, we’ve dedicated this blog to types, treatments, and helpful tips to empower those dealing with this skin condition with the tools they need to get help.

Understanding Your Acne Type

It’s important to understand which type of acne you’re dealing with, as this affects the treatment course that our DAA team will follow! There are various factors that cause acne, which fall into three main categories: hormonal, bacterial, and fungal acne. Hormonal acne is caused by fluctuations in androgens that cause sebaceous glands to overproduce oil, leading to clogged pores. It often occurs on the chin, jawline, and upper neck in female patients. This form of acne tends to be more cystic, causing deep, painful cysts to form. Acne vulgaris is one of the most common forms of hormonal acne, occurring in teenagers and appearing on the face, back, and shoulders.

Bacterial acne is caused by P. acnes, which rapidly spreads and grows within the hair follicles. It occurs as whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed pimples on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. Fungal acne occurs when hair follicles get infected with a fungus called Malassezia yeast. It appears as clusters of small, itchy, red bumps on the skin’s surface. In some cases, they can turn into whiteheads or pustules, which contain yellow pus.

Acne Treatment Methods

At DAA, we offer a variety of effective treatment methods to address all types of acne. The first step our team of board-certified providers will take is to create a personalized treatment plan to determine the best course of action. Often, we recommend oral or topical medications depending on the severity of the specific case. If this doesn’t provide optimal results, we’ll then move to acne treatments that may include cosmetic laser treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Glo2Facial treatments and microneedling. Our experienced dermatologists also specialize in non-surgical and surgical acne scarring treatments that can reduce the appearance of the scars or uneven skin texture! To learn more, visit our website to explore all of our acne treatment options.

Helpful Tips to Follow

We’ve curated a few helpful tips to follow before, during, and after a breakout! While some forms of acne are nearly impossible to fully prevent, following these easy tips will help prevent breakouts as much as possible and reduce inflammation or redness. Before you have a breakout, it’s important to wash your face twice a day, remove all makeup before you fall asleep, and switch your skincare products and sunscreen to oil-free. When your breakouts start appearing, it’s best to make an appointment at DAA so we can recommend specific skincare products to address your acne needs. After a breakout, if you experience scarring or uneven skin texture, our team may recommend a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or a laser treatment to help.

Whether you’ve been suffering from acne since you were an adolescent or you’ve recently developed issues, DAA is the best place to receive treatment. Our team of board-certified providers and aestheticians is ready to help effectively treat your acne and scarring! To schedule an appointment, complete an appointment request form or call us at 404.256.4457.

June 4, 2026

A Summer Guide to Men’s Skin Health

Dermatology News, Skin Care, Skin Care Tips

A common misconception about dermatology is that it only applies to women, especially when it comes to skin health. In reality, dermatology is a comprehensive field that can help both men and women address aesthetic concerns, whether it’s a new mole, uneven skin texture, scarring, or other issues. We’ve curated a summer guide to Men’s Skin Health to empower men to take care of their skin and become the most confident version of themselves.

Hygiene Tips After High-Intensity Workouts

Summer is a popular time to focus on your fitness and health through high-intensity workouts. This often stems from a desire to look and feel your best, whether it’s for an upcoming beach vacation or in general. Unfortunately, intense summer workouts can lead to unexpected conditions such as folliculitis or ringworm. This is due to the combination of heat and humidity, which becomes a breeding ground for fungal and bacterial skin infections. Folliculitis occurs when your hair follicles get inflamed and can appear on the legs, chest, groin, or underarms. The easiest way to prevent this is to wear loose, breathable clothing while working out and to shower immediately after a session. It can also be caused by using a dull, dirty razor, so make sure to regularly change out your razor before shaving, especially during the summer months. As for ringworm, this fungal infection spreads easily and presents itself as a circular-shaped rash that can appear anywhere on the skin. If you get it on your feet, it’s called athlete’s foot. The best way to prevent ringworm is to avoid sharing gym equipment and keep your skin clean and dry after a workout by showering and drying off immediately. Once you develop it, you can visit DAA to get a pH-balanced antimicrobial wash prescribed to treat the condition.

Scalp Protection Do’s and Don’ts

While thinking about the health of your scalp might not come as second nature, it’s important to protect your scalp, especially during the summertime! For men experiencing hair thinning or who are completely bald, you will need to apply SPF to your scalp during peak sun exposure hours, which is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will prevent your scalp from getting a nasty sunburn. Repeated sunburn exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer, so it’s always a good idea to stay on the safe side and reapply sunscreen as you continue to be outside! There are also a variety of brands that sell men’s sun hats designed with UV protection. This is a great option if you plan to spend a prolonged period of time outdoors or on the water.

This summer, we’re empowering our male patients to take care of their skin! These are just a few tips and tricks to help ensure your summer is free of unwanted fungal infections and painful sunburns.

May 11, 2026

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Sun Safety Tips and Monthly Skin Checks

Skin Cancer, Skin Care

Blue gradient banner announcing Skin Cancer Awareness Month with sun safety tips and monthly skin checks.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to dive into sun safety! Skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of their age, background, or ethnicity, which is why we’re doing a spotlight on Skin Cancer Awareness Month! This helpful guide includes preventative tips and information on how to check your body on a regular basis, so you can enjoy the beautiful summer rays while protecting your skin.

What Causes Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is caused by damage from UV radiation, causing abnormal cell growth. It often will develop from cumulative sun exposure over the course of a few years, whether it’s from excessive tanning or damage from sunburns. The three main types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump and can appear anywhere on the body that has had sun exposure. Squamous cell carcinoma looks like red, thick patches and often occurs on areas such as the ears, face, arms, and back of the hands. Lastly, melanoma appears as dark lesions and is commonly mistaken for moles. You can use the ABCDE method of detection for melanoma, which refers to asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving.

Sun Safety Tips to Protect Your Skin

These are just a few easy tips to follow that will help protect your skin while outside! One thing to note is that the peak times of sun exposure are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. While you should always take the necessary precautions to protect your skin, it’s also important to ensure protection during the peak times of day while you’re outdoors.

Always apply sunscreen with an SPF 40 or higher when you plan to be outside to protect your skin from sunburn and UVA and UVB rays. If you plan on being outside for an extended period of time, use SPF 50+ to protect your skin further. You’ll want to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours until you’re back inside. If you go swimming, make sure to reapply sunscreen immediately after drying off.
If you wear makeup, consider utilizing a sunscreen base before applying your daily makeup routine. There are also a variety of foundation and CC+ cream brands that incorporate SPF protection directly into the formula!
Protect your eyes and the surrounding skin by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. They’re often labeled as UV400 and can be found at all of your typical big box stores.
If you plan on being outside for a long duration of time, it’s best to wear dark clothing with minimal holes. For even more protection, you can invest in UPF speciality clothing that is designed to block harmful UV rays.

Monthly Full-Body Skin Exam

Along with taking preventative measures, it’s also important to perform monthly body checks for sun exposure! Simply take 10 minutes out of your day to find a private area in your home and examine your skin from head to toe. During this check, take note of any changes to the appearance of your skin, whether it’s a new mole or changes to an existing mole in color, size, or shape. Changes to a mole signify that it’s actually melanoma, a form of skin cancer. If you happen to spot anything abnormal, make an appointment with our team of board-certified dermatologists or PAs to let them have a closer look. Keep up with these monthly skin self-exams on a regular basis, especially if you spend a lot of time outside, to ensure the safety of your skin health!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to brush up on skin safety tips so you can stay educated and informed! If you’d like to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatologists, fill out an appointment request form online or call us at 404.256.4457.

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