Cosmetic Treatments That Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a magic treatment that made your skin look prettier and also reduced your chances of getting skin cancer? Turns out, this magical combination does exist! Dr. Rachel Nazarian explains there are some real preventative benefits to Fraxel, chemical peels and photodynamic therapy. “I would put all three on my list of favorite makes-you-look-good and good-for-you procedures,” says Dr. Nazarian. Here’s the scoop:

Fraxel

Fraxel laser treatments are a favorite of beauty junkies, celebrities and models for its amazing skin rejuvenating benefits. “Fraxel destroys columns of tissue and stimulates the healing cycle, thus resurfacing the skin and removing precancerous spots like actinic keratoses,” explains Dr. Nazarian.

Chemical Peels

Another common cosmetic treatment with additional benefit is the chemical peel. “Medium-depth peels, such as TCA peels, work in a similar fashion, by causing the top layer of skin to slough, and along with it many atypical and early changing skin cells,” says Dr. Nazarian. Best results would require a few treatments.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is the process of using a topical photosensitizing agent and a light to create a reaction in the skin. “Through this process, cancerous cells are destroyed and skin has an improved cosmetic effect including enhanced texture,” explains Dr. Nazarian.

Dr. Rachel Nazarian treats patients in our Murray Hill dermatology office. Dr. Nazarian specializes in cosmetic treatments that erase sun damage and rejuvenate the skin.