It seems counterintuitive since there are a ton of different types of sunscreens on the market, but recent studies have shown that melanoma is on the rise and UVA rays are responsible for this potentially deadly form of skin cancer. (FYI, tanning beds are pure UVA rays -- eek -- thank goodness there's a tanning tax now to save us from our tan-obsessed selves.) Well, Dr. Moy explains that a lot of older sunscreens block UVB not UVA rays, creating a false sense of security when you're actually getting sun damage. He says to ensure that you're protected, use an SPF that blocks UVA rays such as Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ with Helioplex, $12.99.
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What can I do to make myself look better?
Dr. Moy says that there are four different types of procedures that can help make you look better -- who are we kidding -- younger. Ask your dermatologist if you are a good candidate for one of the following (if any):
If you see lines and they bother you, then you could be ready (take this quiz to find out). It most likely won't be necessary in your early 20s, says Dr. Moy, but it really depends on how much you smile, squint, frown, scrunch your forehead, etc. and -- wait for it -- how much time you spend in the sun. Generally speaking though, you might be ready for Botox in your 30s.
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What causes my acne?
While it's common knowledge that clogged pores and bacteria can cause acne, Dr. Moy explains what else it could be and what to do about it:
How often do I need to be seen for skin cancer prevention?
Dr. Moy says it really depends on risk factors like:
� Having a family history of skin cancer
� Having a history childhood sunburns
� Having fair skin and/or freckles
� Having lots of moles
So, if you are at a high risk, then you should go see your dermatologist twice a year. However, even if you're not, it doesn't hurt to get regular yearly checkups. And no matter how few or many risk factors you have, you should always be hyper-aware of your body and anything that looks unusual on your skin. Take this quiz to see if that mole you've been perplexed about might be cancer.
It's no secret that there's room for improvement in our health care system and our approach to wellness. The worst is when you go to the doctor's office and get rushed out of there -- totally forgetting to ask all of the burning questions you meant to ask (that is, if you're fortunate enough to have heath insurance). We would like to help you out in the skin care department, so that next time you go see your dermatologist, you'll be savvier and know all the right things to ask. And if you've never seen a dermatologist, you should consider going to one to maximize the health and beauty of your skin. See the 11 questions you should ask your dermatologist now.
We picked the brain of Dr. Ronald Moy, who is Board Certified in Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery with 25 years of experience under his belt. He is President-Elect of the American Academy of Dermatology and his practice is located in The Rodeo Collection in Beverly Hills, Calif. Here he shares the top questions you should ask your dermatologist at your next visit. He covers all of the inquires you should make in regards to the all-consuming beauty dilemma of acne -- to the self-preservation distress of aging skin -- to the more serious concern of skin cancer. And to save you a trip to the derm, if you can't get to one (and because we can't help it), we're going to answer the questions for you -- in a general sense anyway -- which will help you yield beautiful, healthy skin.
To get a leg up on your skin's health, check out some of these other skin-related stories:
