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Breaking Down the Myths: What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer and Prevention

January 16, 2025

Skin cancer is a significant health concern that affects millions of people around the world. Despite how common it is, many myths and misconceptions persist. At Derm.ca - Dermatology & Esthetics, we're dedicated to educating our community about the realities of skin cancer and how to best protect your skin. In this blog post, we'll address some common myths and share essential information to help you stay safe.


Myth #1: Skin Cancer Only Affects Older People

The Reality

While the risk of developing skin cancer does increase with age, it’s not just an older person's issue. Skin cancer can impact individuals of all ages, including children and young adults. Prolonged sun exposure and a history of sunburns are significant risk factors, no matter how old you are.


Prevention Tip

Regular skin checks are vital for early detection, regardless of your age. At Derm.ca, we offer comprehensive skin reviews and mole mapping to catch any suspicious changes early.


Myth #2: Darker Skin Tones Are Immune to Skin Cancer

The Reality

People with darker skin tones have more melanin, which does offer some protection against UV rays, but they are still at risk for skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer in individuals with darker skin is often diagnosed later, making it more serious.


Prevention Tip

Everyone, no matter their skin tone, should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, seek shade during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing. Regular skin exams are also crucial for catching abnormalities early.


Myth #3: Sunscreen Is Only Necessary on Sunny Days

The Reality

UV rays can penetrate through clouds and still damage your skin, even on overcast days. Reflective surfaces like snow, water, and sand can amplify your exposure to UV radiation.


Prevention Tip

Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, regardless of the weather. Remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. At our clinic, we offer a variety of high-quality sunscreens tailored to different skin types.


Myth #4: Indoor Tanning Is Safer Than Sunbathing

The Reality

Indoor tanning involves concentrated UV radiation, which can be even more harmful than natural sunlight. Tanning beds significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer, especially melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.


Prevention Tip

It’s best to avoid tanning beds altogether. If you’re looking for a bronzed look, consider safer alternatives like self-tanning lotions or sprays. Derm.ca can help you find the best products for a natural-looking tan without the risks.


Myth #5: Skin Cancer Is Always Easy to Spot

The Reality

While some skin cancers are noticeable, such as new growths or changing moles, others can be subtle and easily missed. Melanoma, for example, can develop in areas not commonly exposed to the sun, like the soles of the feet or under the nails.


Prevention Tip

Conduct regular self-examinations and schedule yearly skin checks with a dermatologist. Our Complete Skin Review service at Derm.ca thoroughly evaluates your skin to identify potential issues early.


Expert Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention

  1. Know Your Skin: Understanding your skin type helps you choose the right preventive measures. Our dermatologists can provide personalized assessments and product recommendations.
  2. Stay Informed: Keeping up with the latest research and guidelines empowers you to make better choices. Follow our blog and social media for updates and expert advice.
  3. Embrace Sun Safety: A sun-safe lifestyle goes beyond sunscreen. Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and clothing with built-in sun protection. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  4. Educate Others: Share what you learn about skin cancer prevention with friends and family. Helping others can make a difference in your community.


Get Professional Help at Derm.ca

Understanding the myths and realities of skin cancer is crucial for effective prevention. At Derm.ca - Dermatology & Esthetics, we’re here to provide expert care and comprehensive solutions for your skin health. From advanced diagnostics to a variety of preventive measures, we support you in maintaining healthy skin.


Concerned about skin cancer? Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Ken Alanen, is ready to provide personalized care and guidance.


Call us or visit our website to book your appointment. Take the first step towards proactive skin health with Derm.ca - Calgary’s leading dermatology clinic.


By dispelling myths and sharing accurate information, we hope to empower you to take charge of your skin health. Don’t wait—protect your skin today and reduce your risk of skin cancer with help from the experts at Derm.ca!

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At-a-Glance Profound® RF is a non-surgical treatment that can effectively treat sagging jowls, neck tightening, and double chin reduction. This treatment uses radiofrequency energy and microneedling to stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production, achieving great results with only one treatment. Known for improving skin elasticity and texture, Profound delivers visually noticeable, natural-looking results. Most patients achieve significant improvements with just one session and minimal recovery time. Clinically backed for long-lasting effects, it is an appealing non-surgical alternative to facelifts. At Derm.ca , Calgary's premier dermatology clinic led by board certified dermatologist Dr Alanen and laser clinician Ildiko Juahasz, we regularly hear from patients seeking effective solutions for skin laxity without surgery. If you've been considering treatment for sagging jowls, neck laxity or submental fullness (double chin), Profound® RF offers a scientifically-proven alternative to traditional facelifts, delivering beautiful results and a more defined jawline. What is Profound® RF? Think of Profound as a breakthrough in skin rejuvenation - offering the results you want without the surgery you don't. Unlike traditional facelifts that require extensive surgery and recovery time, this innovative treatment takes a different approach with different results. It is still not considered as a facelift treatment. This procedure is a non-surgical treatment designed to rejuvenate the skin and combat signs of aging. It offers a less invasive approach. This treatment is especially effective for individuals looking to treat sagging jowls, tighten the neck, and reduce the appearance of a double chin. What makes this treatment truly special? It's the first device that combines two powerful technologies - microneedling and radiofrequency energy - in a precise, controlled way, penetrating the deepest level of your skin. It offers a more intense treatment compared to other RF devices. This innovative combination stimulates and induces the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are essential for maintaining youthful, healthy skin. Additionally, it is FDA-cleared for facial treatments and delivers results in just one session, setting it apart from other devices, with immediate results, while the final results can take up to a full year to develop. How Profound Works Knowing how Profound works can help you understand its advantages. The procedure uses radiofrequency energy and microneedling to focus on the deeper layers of the skin. This mix is essential to getting the results you want without needing surgery. At Derm.ca , the procedure is conducted in our state-of-the-art dermatology clinic, typically taking about two hours and administered under local anesthesia for comfort. Merging Radiofrequency with Microneedling This procedure stands out by intelligently combining radiofrequency energy with microneedling, creating a double-action approach. The microneedles go into the skin, which lets the radiofrequency energy get to the dermal layer. This action encourages the body to heal itself naturally, which makes more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Think of these components as your skin's natural support system: Collagen : Your skin's foundation, providing structure and firmness Elastin : Your skin's natural elastic band, giving it the ability to bounce back Hyaluronic Acid : Your skin's internal moisturizer, keeping it hydrated and plump Here's how the combined action of radiofrequency and microneedling rejuvenates your skin: Deep layers of the skin are heated by radiofrequency energy , which stimulates collagen production. Controlled micro-injuries are created by microneedling , activating the body's natural healing process. These combined techniques improve the skin's texture , elasticity , especially in the jowls, deep wrinkles around the mouth, and areas of volume loss in the mid and lower face, while also improving firmness . Control of Precision and Temperature At Derm.ca , what truly sets Profound apart is our commitment to precision and safety. Each treatment is performed and carefully calibrated by Ildiko Juhasz, Director of Cosmetic Medicine and Laser Clinician, to meet your specific needs. This procedure shines due to its precise and customized application. The treatment uses a computer-assisted system that carefully manages the depth, temperature, and duration, ensuring that every session is tailored for optimal results. This level of control means the radiofrequency energy is delivered exactly where it’s needed, maximizing effectiveness while keeping side effects to a minimum. During the treatment, thermally regulated radiofrequency needles gently reach the deeper layers of the skin, promoting natural skin tightening and lifting. This process provides an effective alternative to traditional facelifts, with much less downtime. Boosting Collagen, Elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid Profound is unique in its capacity to boost the natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—key elements that support skin health and resilience. As the skin makes more of these vital components, the treatment tightens the skin, improves elasticity, and restores moisture for a rejuvenated appearance. Increased collagen and elastin help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a firmer, more youthful look. The added boost of hyaluronic acid maintains hydration, contributing to a radiant, plump complexion. Results unfold progressively, with improvements typically becoming noticeable within a few weeks and continuing to develop over six to nine months. Clinical studies have shown that the effects are both steady and lasting, providing patients with significant, long-term benefits. What to Expect from a Profound Treatment Your journey with this procedure at Derm.ca follows a clear, structured path designed for optimal results. Here's what you can expect every step of the way: Preparing for Your Treatment Before your treatment day, you'll have a comprehensive consultation with our expert Ildiko Juahsz . This is a thorough assessment where we: Evaluate your skin's current condition Discuss your specific concerns and goals Create a customized treatment plan Answer all your questions about the procedure The Treatment Experience On treatment day, here's what happens: Arrival at our Calgary dermatology clinic Application of numbing cream for your comfort Local anesthesia administration The actual treatment (approximately 2 hours) After Your Treatment The non-surgical treatment generally comes with minimal downtime, and recovery is typically straightforward, with most patients experiencing: Bruising, swelling for 5-7 days Ability to return to work within 7-9 days Clearance to apply makeup after 48 hours For optimal protection and to maintain results, using a broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF 30+ for at least one month is recommended. 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