Protect your skin from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) rays

 The best way to avoid sun damage is to stay out of the sun. Other precautions include using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight during the day's hottest hours when UV rays are strongest.

What are the risks of excessive sun exposure?

The most obvious danger of too much sun is sunburn. Under a strong microscope, sunburned skin would show that the cells and blood vessels have been damaged. Sun damage causes the skin to become dry, wrinkled, discoloured, and leathery. Although the skin appears thicker, it has actually been weakened and will bruise more easily as a result.

The sun, on the other hand, is the leading cause of skin cancer, which is now the most common of all cancers. Most skin cancers, doctors believe, can be avoided by avoiding sun exposure.

How can I avoid the sun's harmful rays?

The best way to avoid sun damage is to stay out of the sun, but most of us go outside on a regular basis. So, when you go outside, remember to take the following precautions:

• Wear sunscreen at all times. Every day, apply it to your skin. Make it a habit, just like brushing your teeth.
• Avoid exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. The ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn are at their peak during this time.
• Put on protective clothing. When you do go outside, especially for long periods during the day. Long sleeves and slacks, as well as a wide-brimmed hat, can help shield your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
• Put on sunglasses that filter UV light.

Sunscreen: Physical vs. Chemical

Dermatologists are the experts on skin. Although sunscreen is a well-known summer staple, our dermatologists agree that it should be worn all year round. Physical and chemical sunscreens both offer broad-spectrum protection against the skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays that cause skin cancer and premature ageing. They do, however, function differently. It is critical to understand the differences between them in order to determine which one is best for you to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Physical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreen, also known as mineral sunscreen, creates a physical protective barrier on the skin's surface by reflecting harmful UV rays.Sunscreens of this type may contain either zinc oxide or titanium oxide.

Physical sunscreens are preferable for sensitive skin and may feel heavier or more moisturising than chemical formulations.

They are ideal for daily use as well as extended sun exposure while spending time outside or at the beach.

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin rather than sitting on top of it, absorbing UV rays before they can cause damage. Some chemical sunscreen formulations may absorb more easily into the skin than physical formulations. If you intend to swim, sweat, or get wet, chemical sunscreens may be a better choice.

When should you reapply your sunscreen?

Reapplying sunscreen, whether physical or chemical, is critical! Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it every two hours. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day to protect your skin from UV rays, which cause skin cancer and early signs of ageing.

Why to see a dermatologist for your mole removal?

 Many products and devices advertise the ability to remove moles at home or in other non-medical settings. But are these techniques truly safe?

Patients should think twice before removing a mole outside of their dermatologist's office. These mole removal methods are fraught with dangers and potential health risks, which is why dermatologists do not recommend them. A dermatologist understands skin pathology and skin depth, is trained to look for skin cancers, and is trained to obtain the best biopsy specimen to determine what the mole is and if any necessary treatment is needed.

What exactly is a mole?

A mole is a brown or black skin lesion caused by excessive skin cell growth. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, either alone or in clusters. Moles can change over time, becoming raised or changing colour. Because some moles are cancerous, patients should notify their dermatologist if their mole changes so that the mole can be monitored, biopsied, and removed as needed.

Why should a dermatologist always be the person in charge of removing a mole?

Below are few of the reasons why patients should always see their dermatologist for mole removal:

A dermatologist can determine whether or not a mole is cancerous.

Each year, the number of patients getting diagnosed with skin cancer is increasing, making it the most common type of cancer. It happens when the DNA in skin cells is damaged, resulting in the uncontrollable growth of abnormal skin cells. Skin cancer can manifest itself on the skin in a variety of ways, such as a dark lesion, a changing mole, a new growth, or a scar.

If our dermatologists suspect a mole is cancerous, they will do biopsy for it and send it to be tested. If the biopsy reveals cancer, the management will vary depending on the type and severity of the skin cancer.

If a patient removes a mole at home or elsewhere, they will not be able to tell if the lesion is cancerous. If the mole is cancerous, microscopic cancer cells will remain in the surrounding skin even after it is removed. These cancer cells have the ability to multiply and spread to tissue beneath the skin. If the cancer is melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, the cells can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

A dermatologist can assist in reducing the risk of infection.

A mole removal, like any surgical procedure, carries the risk of infection. Knowing this, the dermatologists pay close attention to the sanitation of their instruments as well as the preoperative and postoperative care of their patients.

When a patient removes a mole at home or in a non-medical setting, the risk of infection increases, which can delay wound healing and necessitate a trip to the local emergency room.

Scarring can be reduced with the help of a dermatologist.

Scarring can and does occur, despite the fact that our dermatologists are highly trained in mole removal and strive to avoid it as much as possible. Scarring is largely determined by the patient's age, the type of procedure, and the location of the mole.

When a patient removes a mole at home or in a non-medical setting, they greatly increase their risk of scarring, which can include bumpy, chicken pox-like, or indented scars.

A dermatologist can assist in preventing movement loss caused by scarring.

If the mole is on a joint, such as the knuckles, our dermatologists take extra care to avoid scarring in the area so that joint movement is not hampered.

If a patient removes a mole on a joint at home or in a non-medical setting, they run the risk of developing a scar that will limit their joint motion.

During the procedure, a dermatologist can control blood loss.

Before removing a mole, dermatologists inquire about the patient's medical history and any medications they are taking, as certain conditions and medications increase the likelihood of blood loss. Furthermore, our dermatologists are highly trained in mole removal and work hard to cause as little damage to the site as possible.

When a patient removes a mole at home or in a non-medical setting, they increase their risk of uncontrollable blood loss, which could be caused by a current medication, condition, or an accidental injury to the site, such as nicking a blood vessel or vein.

Before attempting a DIY mole removal or attempting the latest mole removal craze, we recommend that you consult with one of our dermatologists at Vasundhara, Ghaziabad  Clinic. Here at our clinic, our expert dermatologists can determine if you are a candidate for mole removal and walk you through safe mole removal options.

Prepare Your Skin For Winters With Dr. Megha Modi, A Dermatologist

 The nice but chilly and dry wintertime climate might cause skin problems. Dry skin is one of the most prevalent problems. Even if winter is still a few months away, preparing your skin for it can help you avoid numerous skin problems and maintain healthy skin throughout the cold and dry seasons.

Concerned about the condition of your skin? Contact the best skin specialists we have in Ghaziabad. Make an appointment with one of the best dermatologist nearby by calling +91-9910659776 for a skin treatment.

A dermatologist-recommended winter skincare regimen can be helpful. Here is some general yet practical winter skin care advice to help you stay clear of skin issues. For advice on a specific winter skincare regimen, consult your dermatologist.

What effect does winter have on your skin?

Wintertime sees a drop in Filaggrin, one of the most crucial proteins in our skin for preserving the barrier function and natural moisturising agents. Along with ageing and hormonal changes, it also declines. This contributes to the dryness and aggravation of skin issues for many people, along with the dry cold weather, low humidity, and interior heating that dehydrates our skin.

Dr. Megha Modi offers 8 tips for the winter

• Maintain Skin Hydration: During the winter, people frequently drink less water. However, low humidity can lead to the body losing moisture.
• Regular exfoliation: Dead and dry skin cells can be removed from the skin via exfoliating, which aids in the regeneration of new ones. There are various skin exfoliants available over-the-counter. However, to choose the best exfoliator for your skin type, speak with a dermatologist. But be cautious about how often you exfoliate.
• Use an appropriate cleanser: No matter the season—summer, monsoon, or winter—it is essential to cleanse the skin. But avoid using cleansers that contain harsh chemicals, alcohol, or other perfumes. They may permanently harm the skin by removing natural oils.
  Have your skin examined by a dermatologist, who can then recommend a cleanser that is suitable for your skin. Additionally, be aware of how frequently you should cleanse during the winter to encourage the best outcomes and maintain healthy, hydrated skin.
• Carry lip balm: Use a hydrating lip balm with SPF every morning and throughout the day to seal in moisture to prevent dry lips from becoming chapped and burnt while having fun in the winter.
• Moisturize Frequently: One of the most important pieces of winter skin care advice for the face is selecting a good facial moisturizer. In light of this, choosing an oil-based moisturiser over a water-based one can aid in keeping the skin hydrated. As soon as you get out of the shower, apply moisturiser to various body regions to help preserve as much moisture as you can.
• Cut down on shower time: The winter months could be tempting for those extended hot-water bathing sessions. Long-term exposure to boiling water can cause you to become dehydrated and drain your body's essential oils.
  Therefore, you should refrain from taking long showers and using boiling water at all times, not just in the winter. Keep them brief and substitute warm water. After taking a shower, the skin may still be irritated, red, and itchy. This is one indication that you had too many baths.
• Put on sunscreen: In the winter, the sun is not as intense. As a result, many people choose not to use sunscreen throughout the winter or do not think they need it. However, one winter skin reality is that being exposed to a burning star can still cause skin injury.
  In light of this, you must use a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen and protect your hands, neck, and face (if exposed).
• Dress properly for winter: To protect your hands and neck during the cold, wrap your entire body with scarves and gloves. Additionally, you should avoid allowing your winter clothing to touch your skin directly, as this could be uncomfortable. Use clothing with natural and breathable base layers as an alternative, it may help prevent skin irritability.

The harsh winters may cause your skin to become dry and scaly. It can help to follow the general winter skin care advice listed above for the face and other body regions.

When it comes to winter skincare, do you require any specific advice? Check out with Dr. Megha Modi, a renowned dermatologist at Twachaa - The Skin & Laser Clinic in Ghaziabad. She has experience with and an understanding of different skin types and their responses to winter. These factors allow us to offer individualised winter skin care treatments. To reach us and schedule an appointment, please call (+91-9910659776) or send an email to twachaaclinic1@gmail.com.