At Mountain Dermatology Specialists, located in Edwards, Colorado, we take Skin Cancer Awareness Month seriously. With high-altitude UV exposure in places like Vail, Dillon, Breckenridge, and Summit County, your skin is more vulnerable than you might think. That’s why we focus not only on early detection and treatment of skin cancer, but also on advanced skin rejuvenation techniques to reverse sun damage.
Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters in Colorado
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with over 9,500 diagnoses every day. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Living at elevation increases UV exposure by approximately 10% per 1,000 feet—making our mountain communities especially at risk.
The good news: Most skin cancers are preventable and highly treatable when detected early. That’s why we encourage:
Daily sun protection
Annual full-body skin exams
Advanced treatments that not only remove cancerous cells but also improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin.
Heading to the Beach for Colorado Off-Season?
Here in the Vail Valley and Summit County, Colorado, we’re used to being sun-smart year-round. But when off-season hits and we head to the coast, it’s easy to let our guard down. After all, sea level means less UV, right? That’s true—until you hit the beach. Sand and water reflect UV rays, boosting your sun exposure by up to 25%, even when it’s overcast or breezy.
Sun Protection: Your First Line of Defense
UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the leading cause of skin cancer—and the most preventable.
How to Reduce Your Skin Cancer Risk:
Avoid midday sun exposure (10 AM–3 PM)
Wear UPF-rated clothing, broad-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, and reapply every 2 hours
➡️ Did you know? Using sunscreen consistently can reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%.
Despite the risks, fewer than half of older adults protect their skin when outdoors for over an hour. At Mountain Dermatology, we work with patients of all ages to develop daily skin protection habits.
Early Detection Saves Lives
When melanoma is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. That’s why we recommend annual full-body skin checks by our board-certified dermatologists in Edwards, CO.
When was your last skin exam?
Call us at 970-926-1800 to schedule your skin check today.
State-of-the-Art Skin Cancer Treatment in the Vail Valley
We offer comprehensive medical and cosmetic skin cancer care, including:
Mohs Surgery in Edwards, CO
Performed by Dr. Lauren Meshkov Bonati and Dr. Jean Liu Urquhart, Mohs micrographic surgery is the gold standard for removing skin cancer while preserving healthy tissue.
“Mohs surgery allows us to clear margins for skin cancer before repair. It’s ideal for areas with limited skin or high cosmetic sensitivity.”
— Dr. Lauren Meshkov Bonati, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship-Trained Mohs Surgeon
Read our blog: A Guide to Mohs Surgery Skin Cancer Treatment
Reversing Sun Damage: The Aesthetic Side of Skin Cancer Awareness
Sun damage not only increases skin cancer risk—it accelerates aging. At Mountain Dermatology, we offer non-surgical rejuvenation to restore skin tone, texture, and health.
Get your daily dose of SKIN-formation!
Evidence-Based Treatments for Sun Damage
We offer high-efficacy cosmetic treatments that do more than refresh your appearance—they help restore your skin’s health and resilience:
- BroadBand Light (BBL): Targets redness, pigmentation, and texture.
- Microneedling: Stimulates collagen and is combined with application of hyaluronic acid, Sculptra, or platelet rich plasma..
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing: Improves tone, texture, and may reduce pre-cancerous lesions.
Learn about our Skin Fitness Programs—customized physician-led regimens to address sun damage, aging, acne, and more.
📞 Call us at 970-926-1800 to book your personalized skin consultation.
“Treatments like BBL and microneedling not only improve skin appearance, but also support long-term skin health.”
— Dr. Jean Liu Urquhart, Board-Certified Dermatologist & Dermatopathologist
Could CO₂ Laser Treatments Help Prevent Skin Cancer?
Emerging research from Massachusetts General Hospital suggests fully ablative CO₂ laser resurfacing may reduce precancerous lesions and lower the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer in high-risk individuals, such as transplant recipients.
While more studies are underway, our CO₂ treatments are already used to:
Reduce wrinkles and uneven pigmentation
Remove sun-damaged skin
Potentially reduce actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions)
“Certain lasers, specifically ablative lasers such as CO2, have been proven to be helpful for treating and reducing actinic keratoses, which are precursors to skin cancer,” says Jean Liu Urquhart, MD, Managing Partner at Mountain Dermatology Specialists. “CO2 laser is also beneficial to patients who wish to reduce brown spots and fine wrinkles. This therapy is a great option for patients who wish to improve the health and appearance of their skin.”
Find out if CO₂ laser therapy is right for your skin, call 970-926-1800 to book your appointment.
✅ Your Skin Health Checklist
- Book your annual full-body skin exam
- Start a custom Skin Fitness Program
- Refresh your sunscreen routine
- Learn more about Mohs surgery or cosmetic skin rejuvenation
- Protect your skin year-round with expert guidance from Mountain Dermatology Specialists
Call 970-926-1800 to schedule your next appointment.
