May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month! Diagnosing & treating skin cancers is one of the biggest parts of our job, and something that we love doing everyday.

Here are some of our best tips for keeping your skin safe this month and always:

1. Wear sunscreen! The majority of all skin cancers are caused by UV exposure (including sun lamps and tanning beds.)

2. Schedule a yearly total skin exam with your dermatology provider. These exams take just a few minutes and they are the #1 best way to screen for skin cancers or pre-cancers.

3. Look at your own skin! We always tell our patients, ‘nobody knows your skin as well as you do’. By taking a glance at your skin on a regular basis, you stay aware of what’s new and changing.

4. Just like at the airport, if you see something, say something! If you notice something that doesn’t look or feel right, make an appointment! If it’s nothing to worry about, all you’ve done is spend a few minutes with your dermatology provider. If it’s a cancer, catching it early is a major indicator for successful treatment.

If you’re local, call Zel Skin & Laser Specialists in Edina to set up an appointment for a screening with Lauren or Brooke. If you’re elsewhere, consider this your reminder to call and schedule with your dermatology provider!