michaelboache

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—a time to remind ourselves that small habits can make a big impact when it comes to preventing skin cancer. While sunscreen, hats, and regular skin checks are essential, here’s a surprisingly easy and memorable way to gauge your sun exposure risk: just look at your shadow. 

The Shadow Rule: A Natural UV Guide 

Here’s how it works: 
If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are strongest and most dangerous. 

This typically happens between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun is highest in the sky and UV radiation is most intense. When your shadow is longer than your body, UV levels are lower and sun exposure is less intense. 

It’s a simple rule of thumb that works for all ages—and you don’t need a weather app or UV index reading to use it. 

Why It Matters 

Most people don’t realize that UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer, including deadly melanoma. Even on cloudy days or cool spring mornings, harmful rays can penetrate the skin and lead to long-term damage. 

Using the shadow rule gives you an easy visual reminder to: 

• Reapply sunscreen if you’re outdoors during peak hours 

• Seek shade under a tree, umbrella, or canopy 

• Wear protective clothing, like wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses 

• Limit direct sun exposure when possible, especially for young children or those with fair skin 

Teach It, Share It, Live It 

The shadow rule is a great way to help kids learn sun safety in a fun and visual way. If you’re heading outdoors with family or friends, make a game out of checking your shadows and reminding each other to stay protected. 

This simple habit can be a daily reminder to respect the sun—without living in fear of it. 

Final Thoughts: Prevention Starts with Awareness 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most preventable. By adopting smart habits—like using your shadow as a UV indicator—you’re taking an important step in protecting your skin for life. 

If it’s been a while since your last skin check, May is the perfect month to schedule one. Early detection saves lives. 

Need help or have questions about sun protection? Our dermatology team is here for you. Call us or book online to schedule your skin check today.

When it comes to skin cancer prevention, you’ve likely heard the basics: wear sunscreen daily, avoid tanning beds, and seek shade during peak sun hours. While those are crucial habits, there are lesser-known strategies that can further reduce your risk—and we’re here to share them. 

1. Don’t Skip Sunscreen on Cloudy Days 

Up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds. Even on overcast days, your skin is exposed to harmful radiation. Make sunscreen a year-round habit, not just a summertime one. 

2. Protect Your Eyes and Lips 

Skin cancer can appear on your eyelids and lips—two areas people often forget. Use broad-spectrum lip balms with SPF and wear UV-protective sunglasses to shield the delicate skin around your eyes. 

3. Upgrade Your Laundry Routine 

Believe it or not, some laundry detergents and fabric additives can enhance your clothing’s UV protection. Look for laundry products with UV-absorbing compounds that help turn regular clothes into a stronger sun barrier. While helpful, it’s not a replacement for sunscreen, hats, or UPF-rated clothing. It should be part of a layered sun protection strategy. 

4. Check Your Car Windows 

While windshields block most UVB rays, side and rear windows often do not. Over time, frequent driving can lead to more sun exposure on your left side. Consider adding UV-protective film to your car windows. 

5. Eat Your Sunscreen? (Sort of!) 

Certain foods rich in antioxidants—like tomatoes, carrots, leafy greens, and green tea—may help your skin defend itself against UV damage. While they don’t replace SPF, a diet high in skin-friendly nutrients can add another layer of protection. 

6. Use Tech to Your Advantage 

There are apps and wearable devices that track UV levels and remind you to reapply sunscreen. These tools can help you stay consistent with your sun protection throughout the day. 

7. Don’t Forget Your Scalp 

Your part line and scalp are highly vulnerable to sun damage. If you have thinning hair or a shaved head, apply sunscreen or wear a wide-brimmed hat. Spray-on sunscreens are a great option for this area. 

8. Get Regular Skin Checks 

One of the most effective ways to catch skin cancer early—or even prevent it—is with routine full-body skin exams. See your dermatologist annually, or more frequently if you have a history of skin cancer or significant sun exposure. 
 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States—but it’s also one of the most preventable. By going beyond the basics and incorporating these unique prevention strategies into your daily routine, you’re taking powerful steps to protect your skin for life. 

Need a skin check? Book an appointment with our dermatology team today. Early detection saves lives. 

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder that protecting your skin is a year-round commitment—starting from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and it doesn’t discriminate—it can develop anywhere on the body, even in places you might not expect. 

Don’t Overlook the Unexpected 

Many people remember to apply sunscreen to their face and arms but forget areas like the scalp, ears, lips, neck, back of the hands, and even the tops of the feet. These often-overlooked spots are especially vulnerable to sun damage and can be frequent sites for skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and even melanoma. 

At our practice, we encourage a “Scalp to Soles” approach to sun protection and skin checks. Just because you can’t see the sunburn doesn’t mean the damage isn’t happening. 

Full-Coverage Protection: Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer 

Here are a few ways to better protect your entire body from harmful UV rays: 

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy. 

• Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. 

• Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and UPF-rated fabrics. 

• Don’t forget areas like your scalp (use spray sunscreen or wear a hat), ears, lips (use SPF lip balm), neck, and feet. 

• Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. 

Early Detection Starts with Awareness 

In addition to prevention, regular self-checks and annual full-body skin exams with a board-certified dermatologist are key to catching skin cancer early. Look for new or changing moles, unusual spots, or anything that doesn’t look quite right—and make sure your scalp and soles are part of that check. 

This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, commit to protecting yourself from the Scalp to Soles. Your skin is your body’s largest organ—treat it with the care and protection it deserves. 

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for many, it also means dealing with seasonal allergies. While sneezing and itchy eyes are common symptoms, allergies can also take a toll on your skin. If you’ve noticed redness, irritation, or dryness during allergy season, you’re not alone. Here’s how allergies affect your skin and what dermatologists recommend to keep your complexion calm and healthy. 

How Seasonal Allergies Impact Your Skin 

1. Inflammation and Redness – When your body encounters allergens like pollen, it releases histamines, which can cause inflammation. This leads to red, swollen, and irritated skin, especially around the eyes and nose. 

2. Dryness and Flakiness – Allergies can compromise your skin barrier, leading to increased moisture loss. This can cause dry, flaky patches that make your skin feel tight and uncomfortable. 

3. Hives and Rashes – Some individuals develop hives or rashes as an allergic reaction. These itchy, raised bumps can appear anywhere on the body and are often worsened by scratching. 

4. Dark Circles and Puffy Eyes – Allergies can cause blood vessels under the eyes to dilate, leading to dark circles and puffiness. Rubbing itchy eyes can make these symptoms even worse. 

Dermatologist-Recommended Solutions 

1. Strengthen Your Skin Barrier 

• Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. Look for ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. 

• Avoid harsh skincare products that strip natural oils and aggravate irritation. 

2. Reduce Histamine-Induced Inflammation 

• Over-the-counter antihistamines can help calm allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation in the skin. 

• Apply a cold compress to irritated areas to soothe redness and swelling. 

3. Keep Your Skin Clean 

• Wash your face and hands frequently to remove pollen and other allergens that can settle on your skin. 

• Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser to avoid further irritation. 

4. Protect Your Eyes and Nose 

• Wear sunglasses and a hat to minimize exposure to airborne allergens. 

• Apply an occlusive balm, like petroleum jelly, around your nostrils to trap allergens before they enter your nasal passages. 

5. Manage Eczema and Other Skin Conditions 

• If you have eczema or sensitive skin, allergy season can make symptoms worse. Consult a dermatologist for prescription treatments if needed. 

• Avoid long, hot showers, which can strip your skin of moisture. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and apply moisturizer immediately afterward. 

When to See a Dermatologist 

If your skin reactions are severe, persistent, or worsening despite at-home care, it’s best to consult a dermatologist. A professional can recommend prescription creams, allergy testing, or other treatments tailored to your skin’s needs. 

Seasonal allergies don’t just affect your sinuses—they can also wreak havoc on your skin. By understanding how allergies impact your complexion and following these dermatologist-approved tips, you can keep your skin healthy and comfortable all season long. If you need personalized skincare advice, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist today!