A local Santa Monica dermatologist is offering free, potentially lifesaving skin screenings to the public every Friday for the rest of September.
With the end of summer right around the corner, the public can see, with the help of a UV camera, exactly how much damage the sun has done to their skin.
While the camera may not take the most flattering photo of your skin, it may take one that could save your life.
Board-certified dermatologist Ben Behnam, M.D. is behind the initiative, which he decided to hold at his practice as a public service.
During the sessions, medical staff will use the Reveal Imager Camera by Canfield to take UV photos to reveal the extent of damage caused by sun exposure.
Such photos can uncover the amount of sun damage, which can correlate to the potential risk of developing skin cancer, a disease that claims the life of one American each hour. In order to identify these first signs, Dr. Behnam will also offer complimentary screenings to identify potentially dangerous moles and skin lesions.
Dr. Behnam will be on hand to offer free consults, answer questions and review the photos that are able to capture latent impressions of the sun’s impact on your skin.
“How much damage has the sun wreaked on my skin? Can even a little tanning be problematic? Am I at greater odds of developing skin cancer even though I apply sunscreen every day? Is there any way to stop or even reverse the effects of aging due to sun exposure?… These are among the questions that we are asked everyday,” said Dr. Behnam. “I hope that by holding these free sessions, I’m able to reach those who really need to hear this lifesaving message.”
These free sessions will be held each Fridays through Sept. 30 between 9 a.m. and noon at Dermatology and Hair Restoration Specialists, located at 2825 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 301-A in Santa Monica. To make an appointment, call 310.315.4989 or visit www.santamonicaskin.com for more information.
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