sunscreen

Juventud divino tesoro… It’s so true. Youth is a divine treasure. First love. A bight and limitless future. Young, firm skin. There’s nothing better than lying out in your bathing suit-of-the-season and exposing your limbs to the warm kiss of the sun.

Hang on. Rewind.

If I could take the weeks, months and years I spent lying out in the sun, skin unprotected – or worse, offered up to the gods of tanning oil – I would and in a heart beat.

About five years ago I was brushing my teeth when I noticed a little pimple on the left, upper part of my forehead. I tried squeezing it (big mistake) to get rid of it, but all I succeeded in was making it bleed. I watched that pimple over the next three months grow, slowly, and turn darker in color taking on the appearance of a wart. “Gross” I thought to myself. I have to get rid of that thing. So I decided to visit my dermatologist. When my dermatologist saw the growth she stated “It’s probably nothing but we’ll send it out for a biopsy”. I received the results a couple of days later.

Approximately two weeks later I found myself in another dermatologist’s office – a MOHS surgeon. MOHS is a kind of dermatological surgery where samples of tissue are removed from your skin until the surgeon sees that “the margins are clean”. In other words, until they are able to see and confirm under a microscope that the edges of the pieces of skin they just took off you show no signs of cancer.

Yes, cancer.

Fortunately for me my skin cancer was caught early. It was small and it wasn’t really the “bad” kind. Now all I have left is a small, barely visible scar on my temple, and bi-annual visits to the dermatologist. In the battle against skin cancer we also have a great ally. Time. Most skin cancers grow very slowly so as long as you check your skin frequently, and follow up with anything you find immediately, chances are you will be OK. Let’s put it this way. As a woman, if I found a lump in my breast I would make an appointment to see my physician right away. The same goes for my skin.

It is important to know your skin. It is important to check it, carefully. It is important to note changes in it, as well as the appearance of new growths, moles or skin tags. But it is also important to take good care of your skin. You should always apply a good sunscreen before going out in the sun. That doesn’t just mean before sunbathing. In fact, if you can avoid “sun bathing” it’s for the best. A healthy glow is nice, and Vitamin D is good for the body, but be smart about it. Wear a hat, apply your sunscreen and put up an umbrella. You will still get a nice skin tone but in a healthier way. Drinking water and having a healthy diet is also important for maintaining good, healthy skin. And, what the heck, moisturize it, too. It certainly doesn’t hurt.

We all want to look young, but it is more important to be healthy so if you have enough time to shop for moisturizers and creams which promise you the Fountain of Youth, you have enough time to visit a good dermatologist.  Dr. Zizmor has over 25 years of experience in the field of dermatology and is an accomplished author on the topic of skin care. (He wrote Dr. Zizmor‘s Skin Care Book and Dr. Zizmor‘s Guide To Clearer Skin). He an accomplished lecturer, has been featured on television, radio and publications such as The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and in Harper’s Bazaar in which he was recognized as one of the “Top Ten Doctors” in America.  Known for cosmetic fruit acid peels and laser treatments, Dr. Zizmor advocated for good skin health.

Skincare Tips

What advice would Dr. Zizmor give to someone looking to improve the health and appearance of her skin? Sleep preferably hours for adults, eat a healthy diet which includes plenty of nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits, keep hydrated and stay active.

He would also advise you to:

• “Get regular check-ups to detect any skin cancers or suspicious lesions.
• If you suffer from acne, ask about available treatments. Acne has various causes; a specialist can determine which treatments are best for you. Light therapy, antibiotics, topical creams and other methods are possible options.
• Rosacea is less common in Hispanic skin, but it may manifest as redness and a bumpy rash, especially in those with sensitive skin.
• Beware of using steroid creams for long periods of time, as this is associated with rosacea.”

If you are concerned about your own skin, or have specific questions about something you have recently noticed, such as a new mole or change in your skin, there is never any better moment to do something about it than the present. In addition, if you call his office to make an appointment (1-800-771-6654) or to learn more about Dr. Zizmor’s services (you can receive a free gift by simply providing the code LMB2012.)

Having good looking, healthy skin is as important to your physical health as it is to your self-esteem. And it does wonders for my peace of mind. I visited mine last month and now I am ready for the summer. If you would like to get ready for yours, call Dr. Zizmor’s office today (1-800-771-6654) and make your appointment.