In the United States, more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. It is currently the most common cause of cancer in the country, and it is often caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. However, there are precautions that you can take to prevent skin cancer, and seeing a dermatologist like Dr. Linda Banta of Stone Oak Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, can help with early detection—read on to learn more.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer involves the abnormal growth of skin cells. Such rapid growth leads to the development of tumors, which may be benign or malignant. There are three main types of skin cancer: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. 95% of all cancers are made up of the latter two types, which are less serious than melanoma. They can also be treated relatively easily. Melanoma, on the other hand, is much more serious and is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer fatalities. Although the number one cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet rays from the sun, UV rays from tanning beds can be just as harmful.

Protecting Yourself in the Sun

When you are choosing a sunscreen, you should take into consideration its SPF (Sunburn Protection Factor). This gives you an indication of how good it is at protecting your skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. You should also choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA.

San Antonio residents can further reduce their sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, including shirts that cover your arms, clothing made from protective fabric, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection.

Skin Cancer Early Detection

Having regular checks for skin cancer is the best way to spot it early on when it is easier to treat. A dermatologist can examine your skin for the early signs of cancer. As well as receiving an annual dermatological check-up, you can also look for signs of skin cancer at home with a self-exam. You should look for moles/birthmarks that have changed over time or are uneven in shape or color. If you notice anything unusual, contact your dermatologist straight away.

Concerned?

If you are looking for a dermatologist in San Antonio or you would like to find out more about skin cancer prevention and early detection, call Dr. Banta at (210) 494-0504.

Getting a facial can certainly feel like a luxurious, relaxing, and pampering experience but did you know that a facial could also provide your skin with some amazing health benefits? Not only does turning to a dermatologist ensure that you get quality and comprehensive care to treat everything from sun damage to acne, but also a dermatologist has the knowledge, skills, and tools to be able to provide customized facials that can target and treat common skin problems.

A facial offers the skin a variety of benefits including:

• Deep cleaning
• Extractions
• Exfoliation
• Hydration and moisturizing

A facial can also be tailored to your skin type and the concerns or dermatological issues you are worried about. A facial can be used to treat:

• Redness and uneven skin tone
• Hyperpigmentation
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dry, dull and flaky skin
• Acne-prone skin
• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Sun damage
• Enlarged pores

One facial won’t be able to address all skin issues you may have, but our dermatological team can work with you to create a customized facial and treatment plan that will be able to treat any and all problems you’re concerned about.

The products that we use during your facial will also depend on the results you’re hoping to achieve. For example, certain enzyme peels and products with glycolic acid can help to remove dead skin cells to produce fresh, radiant skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you have questions about the different products we use and their ingredients, or if you have any allergies, it’s important to discuss this first with your skin doctor.

Getting regular facials can be a great way to keep skin looking and feeling its best, and it should be a normal part of most people’s skincare routines. Along with keeping skin clean and hydrated, facials can also target problem areas when they arise. Have questions about facials? Ask your dermatologist today.

With the warmer months just around the corner you may be getting ready to plan some fun in the sun. The summertime always finds children spending hours outside playing, as well as beach-filled family vacations, backyard barbeques, and more days just spent soaking up some much-needed vitamin D.

While it can certainly be great for our emotional and mental well-being to go outside, it’s also important that we are protecting our skin against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. These are some habits to follow all year long to protect against skin cancer,

Wear Sunscreen Daily

Just because the sun isn’t shining doesn’t mean that your skin isn’t being exposed to the harmful UVA and UVB rays. The sun’s rays have the ability to penetrate through clouds. So it’s important that you generously apply sunscreen to the body and face about 30 minutes before going outside.

Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that also protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Everyone should use sunscreen, even infants. Just one sunburn during your lifetime can greatly increase your risk for developing skin cancer, so always remember to lather up!

Reapply Sunscreen Often

If you are planning to be outdoors for a few hours you’ll want to bring your sunscreen with you. After all, one application won’t be enough to protect you all day long. A good rule of the thumb to follow is, reapply sunscreen every two hours. Of course, you’ll also want to apply sunscreen even sooner if you’ve just spent time swimming or if you’ve been sweating a lot (e.g. running a race or playing outdoor sports).

Seek Shade During the Day

While feeling the warm rays of the sun on your shoulders can certainly feel nice, the sun’s rays are at their most powerful and most dangerous during the hours of 10am-4pm. If you plan to be outdoors during these times it’s best to seek shady spots. This means enjoying lunch outside while under a wide awning or sitting on the beach under an umbrella. Even these simple measures can reduce your risk for skin cancer.

See a Dermatologist

Regardless of whether you are fair skinned, have a family history of skin cancer or you don’t have any risk factors, it’s important that everyone visit their dermatologist at least once a year for a comprehensive skin cancer screening. This physical examination will allow our skin doctor to be able to examine every growth and mole from head to toe to look for any early signs of cancer. These screenings can help us catch skin cancer early on when it’s treatable.

Noticing changes in one of your moles? Need to schedule your next annual skin cancer screening? If so, a dermatologist will be able to provide you with the proper care you need to prevent, diagnose and treat both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

We all want to feel confident about our bodies, comfortable in our clothes, and uninhibited to wear a bathing suit at the pool. While looking and feeling your best requires healthy eating and exercise, it can be hard to achieve a toned physique with hard work alone.

Body type, genetics, lifestyle habits, and age can all affect your shape and skin elasticity, and for most of us, cellulite is unavoidable. However, that doesn't mean you can't feel great in your skin. At StoneOak Dermatology in San Antonio, we offer body contouring using SculpSure, an innovative and effective system that uses lasers to remove fat cells and produce youth-enhancing collagen for firm, smooth skin.

What is body contouring?

Body contouring is a safer, noninvasive alternative to liposuction. This treatment done at our San Antonio office destroys fat cells using laser energy heat, leaving your skin smoother, firmer, and flatter. As a bonus, this body contouring method leads to the production of elastin and collagen, two components of rejuvenated, healthy skin.

How long does body contouring take?

At our San Antonio office, you can expect a body contouring session to last around 25 minutes. Our SculpSure treatment is FDA approved, pain-free, and carries no recovery time. You can head home right after your treatment.

You will likely need about six body contouring treatments at our San Antonio office to see results.

What can body contouring be used for?

SculpSure body contouring can be used to remove fat from and tighten your abdomen, love handles, and the back, inner, and outer thighs. With the help of body contouring, you can feel great wearing shorts, fitted tops, and swimwear.

Let StoneOak Dermatology in San Antonio help you achieve your best body with body contouring. Call us at (210) 494-0504.

You might be surprised to discover that some of the most innocuous habits could actually be aging you. Preventing fine lines and wrinkles is certainly easier than trying to treat them once they form. While wrinkles are a normal part of life and aging, there are things you can do each and everyday to keep your skin looking young and healthy so you can knock a few years off your age and people will be none the wiser.

Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen each and every day without fail is probably one of the best things you can do to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Not only does exposing skin to the sun’s rays cause sun damage and increase your risk for skin cancer, it can also cause premature lines and wrinkles. To protect your skin from the sun, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 every day (even in the winter and on cloudy days).

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is so very important and yet not enough of us get quality sleep every night. Nights of tossing and turning won’t just leave you grumpy, tired and mentally foggy, it can also lead to wrinkles. That’s because a lack of sleep can actually accelerate the signs of aging and can also affect the skin’s ability to repair itself every night. Most adults require anywhere from 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Are you getting your beauty sleep?

Stay Hydrated

Did you know that as many as 75 percent of US adults suffer from chronic dehydration? This statistic is startlingly and could have a serious impact not just on your health but also on the health and appearance of your skin. If like most people you aren’t getting more than 2.5 cups of water a day, it’s important that you up your water intake to at least 8 8-ounce glasses per day (and even more if you’re active). Staying hydrated keeps the skin looking plump and radiant (and who doesn’t want that?).

Keep Skin Moisturized

Dry skin can also leave you prone to those early signs of aging, so it’s important that you keep skin supple and hydrated. Everyone should use a moisturizer every day, which can improve skin’s glow and also reduce the appearance of facial lines. Those dealing with more severe dry skin may need to turn to their dermatologist for more intense moisturizers.

Sleep on Your Back

If you find yourself snuggling with your pillow night after night you may soon notice fine lines developing on your face as a result. Just changing your sleep position alone can easily prevent these “sleep wrinkles”. If you want to reduce wrinkles on your face avoid sleeping on your side or stomach and sleep on your back instead.

Of course, a dermatologist offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments that can also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. From Botox and dermal fillers to customized facials, laser treatments and chemical peels, there are many options out there to help you achieve a younger appearance. Talk to your dermatologist today about ways to prevent and treat wrinkles.