In the January issue of Allure magazine they mention the study from the National Cancer Institute that shows melanoma is on the rise in young women. Here is the link :

Just last week I found a melanoma in a 20 year old. We are certainly seeing more skin cancers each year and more melanomas in younger and younger patients. It is fortunate that we have found all of these melanomas in the earliest stage so that they are totally curable since melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancer. What does this mean to you and your friends and family. Make certain to get your mole check. Do not put it off. Also wear your sunscreen on a daily basis. Sun damage is cumulative. Even 10 minutes per day over a life time adds up. The newest recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology  is to wear an SPF of 30 daily. There are some new sunscreens that are easy to use that are very cosmetically elegant. We have a variety to choose from including waterproof powders, light lotions, and a new SPF 45 that is truly weightless and goes right into the skin. Whatever product you choose make certain that it blocks both the UVA and UVB rays as both are very damaging to the skin. Over one million cases of all types of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. There is new legislation being proposed to tax tanning salons and to limit their use in teenagers. People who have used tanning beds before the age of 35 increase their risk of melanoma by 75 percent. So be smart get your skin checked, avoid tanning beds and use your sunscreen regularly.