Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3 million people are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers every year.
Factors that can increase the risk of skin cancer include age, prior history of skin cancer, and cumulative lifetime sun exposure, especially sunburns. In addition, even precancerous skin lesions such as actinic keratoses can, with continued sun exposure, transition to squamous skin cancers.
However, recent studies have reported good news for those with long term sun exposure that has resulted in skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer. A study from the Massachusetts General Hospital Dermatology Laser and Cosmetic Center recently published in the journal Dermatological Surgery showed that the use of non-ablative fractional lasers such as Fraxel decreased the risk of developing new skin cancers by about 50%.
This effect was especially profound in those who had prior skin cancers. The improvement in risk was regardless of age, gender, and skin type.
The current thinking is that the Fraxel laser can cause thermal injury to sun-damaged cells while protecting normal skin cells at the same time. This process stimulates collagen production while also causing remodeling of scars and damaged tissue.
So, in addition to the cosmetic benefits of the Fraxel laser treatments, non-ablative fractional therapy can reduce longstanding skin damage from the sun and lower skin cancer risks. It truly is the gold standard for non-ablative fractional lasers
We at Maine Laser Sun Care are one of the few aesthetic dermatology practices in Maine that utilizes a Fraxel laser. Always a great choice for sun damaged skin and to stimulate collagen production, Fraxel and fractional lasers can add skin cancer risk reduction to its list of strengths and advantages.
Call us either at (207) 873-2158 in Augusta, or at (207) 303-0125 in Scarborough for a free consultation to see if you are a candidate. Winter is arguably the best time of year to complete a series of Fraxel treatments and get your skin ready for a healthy and better looking spring and summer.