Living in Sonoma County means embracing the outdoors. Whether you’re tending a garden, enjoying a hike, visiting a local winery, or spending an afternoon with family, your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation almost every day. While sunshine is one of the many joys of living here, years of cumulative sun exposure can increase your risk of skin cancer and accelerate premature aging.
The good news? Protecting your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Small habits practiced consistently can make a meaningful difference throughout your lifetime.
- Wear Sunscreen Every Day
Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin. UV rays reach your skin even on cloudy days, so daily protection should be part of your morning routine—not just something you remember at the beach. Everyone remembers their face but don’t forget your lips, ears, neck and backs of the hands! If you are out in the sun, reapplication every 2 hours is a must – forgetting this is what leads to the majority of sunburns. Make sure to find a sunscreen you like, because you will be more likely to use it, you can even find sunscreen with sparkles in it!
- Know What’s Normal for Your Skin
Become familiar with your freckles, moles, and spots. If you notice something new or a lesion that changes in size, shape, or color, have it evaluated by a dermatology provider. One helpful guide is the ABCDEs of adult melanoma: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter (greater than a pencil eraser), and, most importantly, Evolution, meaning a spot that continues to change over time. Pediatric melanoma, although rare, does not follow the same rules. Look for Amelanotic (a mole that is pink rather than brown), Bleeding bump (that is not just from being a kid), Color can be uniform and Diameter (any diameter). Lips and ears are high risk areas for nonmelanoma skin cancer so don’t wait on unusual growths in those areas!
- Schedule an Annual Skin Examination
Many skin cancers are discovered during routine skin exams before they cause symptoms. A yearly examination allows your dermatologist to monitor changes, identify suspicious lesions early, and recommend appropriate treatment if needed. Early detection often leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes.
- Practice Smart Sun Habits
Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection. Wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective clothing, sunglasses, and seeking shade during peak afternoon hours all help reduce cumulative UV exposure. Did you know UVA passes through window glass and cars do not have UV coating on windows? UV gloves and a light scarf to tie around the neck are great to have in the car for the harsh afternoon rays. Also, it’s a good idea to have a hat and UV shirt in your car for those moments when you’re caught in a sunny place unexpectedly.
- Don’t Ignore a Spot That Concerns You
A sore that won’t heal, a rough patch that persists, or a mole that suddenly looks different shouldn’t be ignored. If something catches your attention, trust your instincts and schedule an evaluation. It’s always better to have a spot examined than to wait and wonder.
“One of the most important conversations I have with patients is that early detection saves lives. Many skin cancers are highly treatable when found early, which is why routine skin exams and daily sun protection are so important. Knowing your skin—and recognizing when something changes—is one of the best things you can do for your health.”
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and the only one you see every day. Taking just a few minutes to protect it now can help prevent skin cancer and preserve healthy skin for years to come. Whether you’re due for your first skin exam or your annual checkup, making skin health a priority is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term well-being.
Redwood Empire Dermatology
301 East St, Healdsburg
(707) 433-4239
www.sonomaderm.com
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