May 2019 - Zel Skin & Laser Specialists
sunscreen safety

Understanding Sunscreen Safety

Recently a study on sunscreen safety was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association which showed certain chemicals found in common sunscreens are absorbed by your body and found in the bloodstream after using.

Though this information isn’t new, it supports further testing of sunscreens that include avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule, and octocrylene.

While sunscreen safety studies like this can be concerning, or even scary, it is important to understand three key points.

  1. In no way does this study suggest that consumers stop using sunscreen. We know unequivocally that exposure to UV puts you a risk for malignancy. Avoidance and protection against UV is the best way to prevent potentially deadly skin cancers.
  2. The study does not suggest that these products are harmful. It simply recommends that more testing needs to be done to confirm their safety for use.
  3. There are a number of very good sunscreens that do not contain the ingredients noted in this study.

Our Mission

At Zel Skin & Laser Specialists we pride ourselves on protecting the safety of our patients’ skin. Our Providers, along with the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend that everyone wear a daily sunscreen to protect from the dangers of UV. We offer several options for purchase, including mineral based sunscreens which do not include any of the above listed ingredients and are based purely in Zinc and Titanium Dioxide.

Your skin is, and will always be, our number one concern. In the care of our providers you can rest assured that your health is in caring and experienced hands.

If you have questions or concerns about this study or would like to set up a consultation to discuss skincare and sun protection with one of our Providers, please call our offices at the numbers below.

Edina: (952) 929-8888
Plymouth: (952) 473-1286
Downtown Minneapolis: (612) 338-0711

doctor evaluating a potential melanoma spot

May is Melanoma Awareness Month

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and we are sharing information about all types of skin cancer. More importantly, we are focusing on how to prevent and detect it. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in every five people. The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The best treatment outcomes occur with early identification of these cancers. It is recommended that everyone have at least one yearly total body skin cancer screening with a trained dermatology professional, and also complete skin scans at home on a regular basis.

Throughout the month we will be sharing information essential to identifying skin cancers and what you should do if you notice a changing lesion on the skin. Keep up to date this month on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and right here on the blog for information about skin cancer and how you can prevent it!

Do you have a question about skin cancer? Leave it in comments below and we will be sure to answer it for you.

Did you know – the best way to screen for skin cancers is with a total body skin exam? We are offering FREE skin exams at our Edina office on Thursday May 9 from 5-7pm. Or visit our Plymouth office on Wednesday May 15 from 5-7pm. Call to reserve your appointment with one of our dermatologists or physician assistants today – space is filling up!

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2 Carlson Parkway N., Suite 100
Plymouth, MN 55447

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