586: The Dermatologist’s Guide to Skin Cancer, Hair Loss, Itch, and Aging | Teo Soleymani, MD

Skin health relies on a balance of sun exposure, metabolic function, and targeted topical treatments rather than blanket sun avoidance. While chronic blistering sunburns contribute to skin cancer, the immune system’s ability to detect and fight mutations remains a critical, often overlooked factor in cancer development. Metabolic dysregulation, evidenced by conditions like acanthosis nigricans, directly influences skin health, making nutrient-dense, whole-food diets essential for managing inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and acne. Retinoids serve as the gold standard for anti-aging and skin cancer prevention by accelerating cell turnover and collagen production. Meanwhile, hair loss management requires distinguishing between genetic predisposition and hormonal sensitivity, with treatments like oral minoxidil offering effective, non-hormonal alternatives to traditional inhibitors. Ultimately, skin health reflects systemic wellness, where minimizing ultra-processed additives and maintaining a consistent, evidence-based skincare routine yields the most significant long-term benefits.