“The White Lotus” star talks about her experience with skin cancer and daily sun
“If you used every product in the world every day for the rest of your life, it wouldn’t do what one BBL HEROic treatment can do.”
“Understanding the foundational role of intrinsic and extrinsic aging offers valuable insight into the skin’s long-term evolution.”
Sciton
Marisa Plescia, Vice President, Society of
Melanoma Prevalence and Misconceptions: Keeping You and Your Family Sun Safe
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and it marks the unofficial start to the warmer summer months. It’s a perfect time of year to highlight the importance of melanoma prevention, and raise awareness around sun safety and protecting you and your loved ones’ skin.
AWRITTEN BY James Merrick Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)
ccording to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and melanoma specifically is the most common form of skin cancer.
Some good news: Over 90% of cutaneous (skin) melanomas are considered preventable and, when caught early, cutaneous melanoma is highly treatable. It’s important to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease.
Knowing what to look for and performing regular self-skin exams may help you become more aware of a mole that changes, a sore that just won’t heal, or a new lump. If you find a spot that has one or more of the ABCDE’s of melanoma, make an appointment with a doctor to have it evaluated, preferably by a board-certified medical oncologist.
So, what are the ABCDE’s of melanoma?
• A – Asymmetry
• B – Border
• C – Color
• D – Diameter
• E – Evolution
Scan the QR code to learn more about the ABCDE’s of melanoma and what to look out for through the Melanoma Research Foundation’s The More You MelaKNOWma Brochure, or visit www.melanoma.org
Protecting Your Children From Sunburn: Essential Tips Every Parent Should Know
One-quarter of our lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood and adolescence, so instilling good and healthy sun protection practices in children is critical.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause visible and invisible damage to the skin. A “sunburn” is a visible type of damage that appears just a few hours after sun exposure. Freckles and other dark spots on the skin are other visible signs of sun damage. Sunlight can also cause invisible damage to skin cells. This damage adds up year after year, and over time, the built-up damage appears as wrinkles, age spots, and even skin cancers.
So, how can you protect your family from the sun? Some simple rules in protecting your child’s skin include:
1. Avoid the strongest sun exposure. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During these times, it is best to limit one’s activity outdoors and consider indoor activities.
2. Wear sun-protective clothing, hats, and glasses. Covering the skin is even more effective than sunscreen. Choose sun protective clothing with fabric that can block the UV light, as well as hats and sunglasses. A hat with a wide brim is best to protect the face, scalp, ears, and neck.
3. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin. Sunscreen should be used in combination with sun avoidance and protective clothing.
4. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to protect their skin and eyes. Remember to set a good example by practicing sun safety yourself.
How to choose the right sunscreen for your child
Sunscreen can help protect the skin from sunburn and help prevent some skin cancers, but only if used correctly. Choose a sunscreen that says “broad-spectrum” on the label. This means that it will screen out both UVB and UVA rays. Check the active ingredients of your sunscreen. Sunscreens are divided into two categories: mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.
Mineral sunscreens work immediately after their application, and are generally recommended as safest for children and recommended for those with sensitive skin. The other category of sunscreens is chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and take about 15 to 30 minutes to activate and take effect. These sunscreens tend to be easier to rub in and do not tend to leave a white film on the skin.
What to do if your child gets a sunburn despite sunscreen
If your child gets a sunburn, there are some ways you can help them feel better. Make sure your child drinks a lot of water to stay hydrated. Cool baths or showers can help, and you can also use a cool, damp cloth on the sunburned skin. You can apply aloe vera or oatmeal products to soothe the skin. If the sunburn is very bad and your child has a fever, blisters, a lot of pain, or signs of infection, you should see a doctor for more help.
Written by Deepti Gupta, M.D., Pediatric Dermatologist; Member, Society for Pediatric Dermatology
Early Skin Cancer Detection Saves Lives: If You Can Spot It, You Can Stop It!
The early detection of skin cancer is always top of mind at The Skin Cancer Foundation, but this is especially true during Skin Cancer Awareness Month. In May, we strive to remind the public to be on the lookout for suspicious spots on the skin.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone see a dermatologist annually for a professional skin exam. In addition, you should check your skin from head to toe carefully once a month because catching skin cancer early can be lifesaving.
When skin cancers are found and removed early, they are treatable and often curable. The three most common types are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), and melanoma. BCCs and SCCs rarely metastasize, or spread, but melanomas are more likely to become dangerous if left untreated. The estimated five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma
is detected early is about 99%, but the survival rate falls to 75% when the disease reaches the lymph nodes and 35% when the disease metastasizes to distant organs.
Identifying skin cancer
Skin cancers can vary widely in appearance, and they can originate from moles you’ve always had or those that seemingly appear out of nowhere. About 20-30% of melanomas are found in existing moles, while 70-80% arise on apparently normal skin.
Some signs you can be on the lookout for during your monthly self-exam include sores that don’t heal within three weeks, or that continue to itch, crust, scab, or bleed, or a mole that increases in
The bottom line is that if you see anything new, changing, or unusual on your skin, get it checked out by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
size and appears pearly, translucent, brown, black, or multicolored. Some nonmelanoma skin cancers can appear white or waxy with poorly defined borders, or like a crusty red patch. Some may present like a typical pimple that just won’t go away.
The Ugly Duckling rule is helpful in identifying possible skin cancers that look unusual: If a spot doesn’t seem like any of your other moles in color, shape, or size; looks or feels different from your other moles; or over time changes from your other moles, you should get that mole checked out by a dermatologist. You could also evaluate moles with the ABCDEs of melanoma: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, changing Colors, Diameter larger than 1/4 inch (or Dark), and Evolution.
The bottom line is that if you see anything new, changing, or unusual on your skin, get it checked out by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Written by The Skin Cancer Foundation
back. In contrast, the DecisionDxMelanoma genomic test is designed to provide a comprehensive, personalized risk assessment by analyzing a small tissue sample of a patient’s tumor — which can be taken from a patient’s original biopsy. The test checks for activity of 31 specific genes, integrating the patient’s tumor biology with clinical and pathologic factors to determine their unique calculated risk profile.
Armed with this information, patients and their care providers can make a more precise melanoma management plan. A patient’s predicted risk that melanoma has spread to the SLN may influence decisions on whether to recommend biopsy of the SLN. A patient’s risk of recurrence may drive management decisions, including frequency and intensity of follow-up, as well as care team needs. For example, a patient with a lower risk profile may meet with their dermatologist rather than a surgical oncologist.
Broadly in the healthcare space, the test helps doctors focus resources on the patients who need them the most.
Knowledge is power — and peace of mind
While, like Leah experienced, it can be scary to contemplate a high-risk result, Dr. Trotter shared that her patients always feel better when armed with information. For high-risk patients, the test “gives you the ability to prepare. And preparing gives you a sense of control over the condition.”
She added, “The DecisionDxMelanoma genomic test is the only melanoma test associated with improved rates of survival. But what you see is not just improved physical health outcomes, but a profound impact on patients’ mental health.”
For Leah, knowing there was a low risk that her cancer would
Amidst the renewed fear and uncertainty, she could focus on supporting her father rather than worrying about her own health.
INTERVIEW WITH Shannon C. Trotter, D.O., FAOCD, FAAD, Board-Certified Dermatologist, DOCS Dermatology; Host, “Derm-it Trotter! Don’t Swear About Skincare” Podcast
The DecisionDxMelanoma genomic test is the only melanoma test associated with improved rates of survival. But what you see is not just improved physical health outcomes, but a profound impact on patients’ mental health.
return gave her clarity and a sense of calm when her father’s melanoma made an aggressive comeback.
Castle Biosciences is committed to providing high-quality molecular testing to all patients diagnosed with melanoma and does not want financial concerns to be a barrier to patients accessing critical healthcare information. Castle Biosciences works with all insurance providers to secure coverage and offers additional financial assistance for those who may need it.
Leah urges anyone with stage I-III melanoma to ask their doctor about the test. “If you have access to information that can help you live a better life, take it.”
Written by Emily Rose
To learn more, visit MyMelanoma.com
Watch Leah’s full story of survival, family and hope:
Leah Adams with her father
What If Laser Treatments Could Do More Than Just Make Your Skin Look Good?
Go beyond beauty with laser treatments that support lasting skin health.
When it comes to skin cancer prevention, sunscreen is just the start.
Laser and light-based treatments are gaining attention not only for cosmetic results but for their potential to support long-term skin health.
Technologies like Sciton’s BBL® HEROic™, a light-based treatment, and MOXI™, a 1927 nm fractional laser treatment, are proving that skincare can go beyond beauty, supporting healthier skin from the inside out.
“The newer 1927 nm lasers, part of the next generation of non-ablative fractionated lasers, are celebrated for correcting sun-damage, roughness, and pigmentation on all skin tones and types, and are safe to use yearround,” explained Dr. Joel L. Cohen, a board-certified dermatologist. “They can also reduce precancerous lesions like actinic keratoses, and recent data show that consistent use every few months may lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, by up to about 50%.”
Keep reading to learn why MOXI and BBL HEROic make a smart addition to your year-round skincare regimen, right alongside your serums and SPF.
BBL HEROic: For skin that looks and stays healthy
This next-gen pulsed light treatment targets reds, browns, and sun damage with speed and comfort — ideal for rosacea, acne, and pigmentation.
Beyond its quick results and no downtime, BBL HEROic may support long-term skin health. Studies suggest consistent treatments can help skin appear younger over time. “I always tell patients that if you used every product in the world every day for the
rest of your life, it wouldn’t do what one BBL HEROic treatment can do,” said Dr. Sherrif Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist.
MOXI: Prevention for skin aging and damage
MOXI, a 1927 nm non-ablative fractional laser, takes a gentle but effective approach to skin renewal. In under 10 minutes, this skin-polishing treatment smooths texture, evens tone, and targets stubborn pigment, including melasma lesions, with little to no downtime.
More than just a glow-up, MOXI is a smart tool for long-term skin maintenance. Dr. Quenby Erickson, a board-certified dermatologist, says it’s great for “keeping skin looking young and healthy,” and is especially effective for stubborn pigment.
How BBL HEROic and MOXI work together
Want the ultimate skin refresh?
Combining BBL HEROic and MOXI — also known as a ScitonStaX™ treatment — may be the answer. BBL HEROic targets surface discoloration, while MOXI promotes deep dermal renewal. Together, they improve the appearance of tone, texture, and overall skin quality. Experts see growing potential for their role in long-term skin health.
When treating patients, Ibrahim starts with BBL HEROic to cover the face, followed by MOXI. “MOXI safely addresses deeper pigment than BBL HEROic, including melasma lesions,” he said. Used together, their benefits compound. “One plus one equals 10 in this case,” Ibrahim said. Consistency is key. Dr. Lesley Loss, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends three to four MOXI treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart, followed by yearly maintenance. “If you are trying to correct something like melasma, pigmentation, or red spots, we usually recommend a series of treatments in combination with BBL,” she added.
Why skin health deserves a spot in your routine
Whether refreshing your skin for summer or thinking long-term, treatments like BBL HEROic and MOXI go beyond cosmetic to support lasting skin health. Skin Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that skincare isn’t just about appearance, but about prevention and consistent care. As awareness grows, one thing is clear: The future of skincare is rooted in long-term health, not just beauty.
Written by Nancy Salim, Copywriter, Sciton
INTERVIEW WITH Dr. Joel L. Cohen Board-Certified Dermatologist
Everchanging Skin: Exploring the Evolution of Skin as You Age
Skin aging is a natural part of life. Understanding how skin ages naturally is key to knowing how to properly care for it.
The skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a vital role. Its primary function is to act as a protective barrier, shielding the body from environmental factors like heat, cold, harmful UV rays, and invading bacteria. In addition to protection, the skin also serves as a sensory organ, allowing us to detect temperature, pressure, pain, and itch. The skin can generally be divided into three main layers:
• Epidermis: This is the outer part of the skin and provides a protective barrier against the external environment. It contains skin cells, pigment, and proteins, such as keratin. The epidermis plays a crucial role in skin hydration.
• Dermis: The middle layer of the skin accounts for 90% of the skin’s thickness. The dermis is composed of skin cells, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and oil glands. The dermis also contains the vital skin proteins collagen and elastin. Collagen provides strength and structure to the skin, while elastin helps keep skin flexible and helps skin regain its shape after being stretched.
• Hypodermis/subcutaneous: The inner/deepest layer of the skin is primarily composed of fat cells, connective tissue, and blood vessels. This layer helps provide insulation, cushioning/protection of inner organs and tissue, and anchoring of the upper layers of the skin to the muscles.
Signs of skin aging
Changes in the skin are some of the most noticeable indicators of aging. The evolution of our skin is shaped by a complex interplay of genetics and the biology of time, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences. These factors are often categorized as two types of skin aging: intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging, otherwise known as chronological aging, is the natural,
time-dependent deterioration of skin function and structure that occurs as a result of biological processes. Extrinsic aging refers to the visible signs of skin aging that are caused by external factors, such as sun exposure, diet, and pollution. At the core of intrinsic skin aging lies genetics — our DNA fundamentally determines how skin functions and changes throughout life. Numerous genes are involved in regulating skin aging, and several DNA-driven biological mechanisms influence the skin, leading to the effects of skin aging. From declining collagen production to slower cell turnover and reduced skin elasticity, these internal shifts reflect the natural rhythm of biological aging. Extrinsic factors like sun exposure may accelerate visible signs of aging, such as skin discoloration. Understanding the foundational role of intrinsic and extrinsic aging offers valuable insight into the skin’s long-term evolution.
While we can’t stop skin aging, understanding its role gives us a clearer picture of how our skin evolves and empowers us to care for it more effectively as we age.
Written by Marisa Plescia, Vice President, Society of Cosmetic Chemists; Founder, FemChem Beauty
Beyond the Filter: Navigating Skin Rejuvenation in a Social Media World
Understanding the distinction between qualified physicians and aesthetic medicine providers without formal training is crucial for your skin’s health and safety.
ABY
board-certified dermatologist has completed over 12 years of schooling, logged over 12,000 patient care hours, and passed an exam to become certified by the American Board of Dermatology. This extensive education equips them with a deep understanding of facial and body anatomy, enabling them to safely and effectively customize treatment plans for each patient.
With 70% of adults considering some form of aesthetic procedure, the importance of choosing a qualified provider cannot be overstated. Remember, these are medical procedures, not mere beauty treatments. Scientific literature shows time and time again that the risks of complications are significantly higher when performed by those lacking comprehensive medical training and expertise.
You might go to a consultation seeking a simple solution to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, but a dermatologist’s expertise extends far beyond single-issue treatments. They can evaluate your overall skin health and discuss your long-term goals, potentially unveiling procedures you hadn’t considered.
In 2025, when personalized skincare and data-driven decisions are paramount, choosing to see a board-certified dermatologist isn’t just a preference — it’s a necessity.
WRITTEN
M. Laurin Council, M.D., M.B.A. President, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery; Director of Dermatologic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine
Combatting Misinformation Around Skin Cancer Treatment Options
Our panel of experts discusses the importance of health literacy and early intervention for skin cancer.
Francisca Kartono, D.O., FAOCD, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist; President, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
What are some of the most prevalent myths about skin cancer treatments you’ve encountered in your practice, and how have they affected patient decisions?
Francisca Kartono: “Sunscreens cause skin cancer.” There is no evidence that sunscreen causes skin cancer. There is proof that skin that is sun-damaged is more likely to develop skin cancer. Patients who wear sunscreen are 50% less likely to develop skin cancer than those who do not use sunscreen, and this was proven in several clinical trials. Certain ingredients in sunscreen can be irritating to the skin, and some people may be allergic to certain sunscreen ingredients, but they do not cause cancer.
Janine Hopkins: One of the most common myths I encounter is the belief that all skin cancers must be treated surgically. This misconception often leads patients to delay care out of fear of scarring or disfigurement, especially when the lesion is on the face. Many are unaware that non-surgical options offer excellent cure rates with minimal cosmetic impact.
Janine Hopkins, M.D., FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist, Skin Cancer Specialist, Expert in Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy
What role does health literacy play in a patient’s ability to discern credible information about skin cancer treatments?
Kishwer Nehal: Health literacy is fundamental to patients’ ability to accurately navigate skin cancer diagnosis and treatment. Having a general understanding helps discern credible information on social media. Without a basic foundation of knowledge, patients can easily become overwhelmed, misinterpret information, or fall prey to misinformation from self-proclaimed experts and influencers.
Do you have any examples of times where misinformation led to delayed diagnosis or treatment? What were the outcomes?
KN: Oftentimes, a delayed diagnosis happens when an individual does not realize a changing mark on the skin could be something more serious. In delicate areas around the eyes, nose, lips, and ears, a skin cancer could appear like a pimple, an irritation from wearing glasses, or even a sore spot from shaving. As a patient, you are the keeper of your skin, so it’s important to
Kishwer S. Nehal, M.D.
Board-Certified Dermatologist; Board Member, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
have a thorough understanding of your body. Performing monthly self-exams will help you notice when something changes or is a persistent problem area.
JH: I’ve treated several patients who delayed biopsy or treatment because they believed a lesion “didn’t look like cancer” based on online images, or thought a natural remedy would resolve it. I have also treated several patients who refused surgery due to risks and personal fears. These patients were never offered or educated on non-surgical treatment options. This delay in treatment due to a lack of non-surgical options resulted in advanced, complicated cancers requiring combination and systemic drug therapy.
How can professional skin health organizations help clinicians stay up-to-date on the latest findings and combat misinformation in their practices?
JH: Professional organizations play a vital role by providing evidence-based guidelines and continuing education through peer-reviewed publications. They can also help amplify
accurate messaging through public awareness campaigns and support clinicians with tools to educate patients. Encouraging collaboration across specialties and promoting newer modalities like IGSRT ensures we stay at the forefront of skin cancer care and dispel outdated or harmful myths. Educating other physicians on non-surgical treatment options is an essential part of the education of dermatologists, oncologists, and primary physicians.
FK: Professional organizations have made it easier for members to reach media outlets and promote correct information to the public when it comes to skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology also has handouts and visual cards for distributing to patients in our practices regarding how to perform skin exams, and targeted campaigns to spot melanoma. We can benefit from similar printed media offerings from organizations that explain surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities, and newer approaches for treatments in the elderly, as we live longer lives and are more at risk of developing skin cancers over time.
A Game-Changing, Effective, and Convenient Treatment for Skin Cancer
In the United States, 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Now, there’s a nonsurgical, no-downtime, 99%+ effective treatment available to help the millions managing a skin cancer diagnosis.
Phoenix, Ariz., grandmother Patty Focken learned from her dermatologist that the spot on her forehead was nonmelanoma skin cancer, the nation’s most common type of cancer, diagnosed in 3.3 million Americans yearly. “I was concerned,” she said, “with the possibility of surgical scarring that might accompany a Mohs procedure,” the traditional treatment that involves repeated cutting of the skin, days or weeks of healing, and, often, the need for reconstructive surgery.
Wisely, Focken had selected a dermatologist who offered both Mohs surgery and a newer, noninvasive treatment called Image-Guided SRT, or The GentleCure Experience™. That treatment uses high-definition ultrasound imaging to help clinicians direct low-level x-rays to targeted areas of the skin, killing cancer cells. For patients treated with ImageGuided SRT, the cure rate (freedom from recurrence at six years) has been shown to be greater than 99%, with researchers reporting that for early-stage nonmelanoma skin cancer, Image-Guided SRT is a clinically equivalent alternative to Mohs surgery.
Focken’s doctor, Genevieve Egnatios, M.D., FAAD, founder of Scottsdale Skin Boutique & Dermatology, said, “We prioritize each patient’s best interests by involving them in the decision-making process and thoroughly reviewing with them all available treatment options for their skin cancer, including Mohs surgery and GentleCure.”
Together, Focken and Dr. Egnatios chose the nonsurgical approach, and Focken’s treatment, the 100,000th in the United States, was a total success. “The series of treatments lasted only minutes each,” she noted, “and there was nothing to indicate to others that I was in a doctor’s care.”
World-class care, close to home “A major advantage for patients is that The GentleCure Experience brings cancer center-level radiation therapy treatment right into their neighborhoods,” noted Kerwin Brandt, chief executive officer of SkinCure Oncology, the company that provides GentleCure as a comprehensive model for the delivery of Image-Guided SRT to quality-focused dermatologists, Mohs surgeons, and
other physicians around the country. “For many patients, that means not having to travel great distances to get the care they need, and not having to sacrifice days of downtime.”
Brandt continued, “A dermatologist in Iowa told us that his office was always full of farmers getting their 15-minute GentleCure treatments because they couldn’t afford to take days away from their fields, getting hospital care or recovering from surgery.”
Cumulative sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer, although other factors, such as light skin, use of tanning beds, or a weakened immune system, can increase one’s cancer risk. At least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
Written by GentleCure
To learn more about the GentleCure Experience, visit GentleCure.com
