Utah's Unique Skincare Landscape: Why Smart Skin Dermatology is Your Partner in Healthy Skin
Nestled amidst the stunning peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, Utah boasts a vibrant outdoor lifestyle as well as breathtaking landscapes. However, Utah's unique climate and demographic require a special focus on skin care. With a high altitude, intense UV radiation, and a growing population with an active outdoor lifestyle, Utah residents are more susceptible to skin cancers than any other state. Not to mention the low humidity levels found here that make rashes and dermatitis a common concern amongst Utahns.
Why Utah Needs Specialized Dermatology
High Altitude and Increased UV Exposure
Utah's high altitude translates to thinner air, offering less protection from the sun's harmful UV rays. This increased UV exposure significantly elevates the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin conditions.
Dry Climate
The state's arid climate can be harsh on the skin, causing dryness, irritation, and exacerbating existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Outdoor-Loving Population
Utahns are known for their love of the outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking, skiing, and swimming, which further exposes their skin to the elements and potential irritants.
Growing Population Demographics
Utah boasts a rapidly growing population, including young families and retirees. These demographics are particularly vulnerable to skin concerns due to their active lifestyles and age-related changes in skin health.
Skin Cancer: An Urgent Concern for Utahns
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Utah has the highest rate of skin cancer in the United States. In 2020, 38.4 per 100,000 Utahns were diagnosed with melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive dermatology care in the state.
Smart Skin Dermatology: Your Skin Health Partner in UTAH
At Smart Skin Dermatology, we understand the unique skin care needs of Utahns. Our team of Board-certified Dermatologist, Advanced Practice Providers, and experienced professionals are dedicated to a comprehensive approach to dermatology. We provide three core specialties of care:
Utah's Medical Dermatology
If you call Utah home, then you most likely will need to see a dermatologist at least once in your life. Here are the different areas of focus at Smart Skin Dermatology and why medical dermatology is so important in Utah.
We help high school students from Bingham & Jordan High to Timpview & Provo High and everywhere in between. As leaders in Accutane management, we pride ourselves in helping Utah's young adults go to school confident and free of acne.
Utah consistently ranks in the top 5 in the U.S. in prevalence of eczema. Our dry climate and cold winters make rashes a common concern that many Utahns are familiar with.
With Utah topping the chart with many different dermatology concerns including skin cancer, our state makes the need for regular skin checks a major priority. We navigate common spots, identify what is concerning, and provide the peace of mind you are looking for.
While our dry climate helps with the prevalence of fungal issues, we more than make up for it with our active lifestyle requiring specialty footwear in Utah. Hiking & skiing are cornerstones and toenail issues can keep anyone off the trail or slopes. We can help get you back on the mountain.
Utah is consistently identified as the top state for skin cancer year after year. While it's a designation we might not want, it is one we are prepared to treat. Like a rainforest is ideal for tropical plants, Utah's high elevation, low humidity, and love for the outdoors make it ideal for growing skin cancers.
Utah's Surgical Dermatology
Utah's high frequency of dermatologic conditions means that how conditions are treated is important. Choosing a dermatology office that has experience with surgical dermatology and access to the top of the line surgical equipment is a must.
High numbers of skin cancers equal a high frequency of surgery on the face. Utah's Mohs surgeons are among the most, if not the most, experienced surgeons in the country.
High numbers of skin cancers equal a high frequency of skin cancer surgeries on the arms, legs, and torso. Each of our dermatology providers averages 1-2 surgeries per day.
It is not just dermatology that is popular. Utah also has the second-highest number of plastic surgeons per capita. A simple Google search will prove you have many options for liposuction. If you take a look at Lipedema surgeons you'll notice only a few in the entire country. Dr. Smart excels at treating Lipedema with liposuction.
With so many skin cancers and pre-skin cancers in Utah, your treatment options must be robust to stand out. We embrace that philosophy. We'll leave the dinosaur age to our neighbors at Thanksgiving Point. You will only find the newest and most advanced treatment options here in Lehi.
Utah's Cosmetic Dermatology
It's hard to know who to trust with a different spa on practically every corner. If you visit OUR STAFF page, you will notice we do not employ estheticians. We prioritize medical expertise, even for elective procedures. We understand that evidence-based medical procedures provide the best cosmetic outcomes.
The Utah sun leaves its mark. Peace of mind is provided with a benign diagnosis. Comprehensive care is the next step up with education on treatment options available to you. Insurance coverage should not be the only determining factor of a skin spot's importance.
Our UV index in Utah means more than increased skin cancer. It also means a higher exposure to UVA rays responsible for accelerated collagen break down. Wrinkles, volume loss, and skin laxity all take place in the skin. The best outcomes come from dermatology providers who are skin experts.
Here Utah is not much different than the rest of the United States. We have excess fat that we would like gone. Our evidence-based medical procedures can decrease unwanted fat.
Finally, a skin concern that is less common in Utah compared to other states. Rosacea is the most well-known redness disorder. While Utah has one of the lowest rates of rosacea, it is still a common concern we see frequently. Prior to Utah, Dr. Smart trained and then practiced in a top 5 rosacea state.
Our thriving outdoor Utah scene is accompanied by the occasional scar. These scars tend to get worse with excess sun exposure. We are experts at decreasing the appearance of rock climbing, mountain biking, and snowmobiling scars. This makes the more common acne scar no match for us.
By now it should be clear how hard Utah's climate can be on the skin. There are a lot of factors working against you. Our passion for skin health does not end with fixing what is already there. We will help you ensure it doesn't happen in the first place.
We are dedicated that each core specialty provides the highest level of care by focusing on:
- Advanced diagnostic technology
- Cutting-edge treatment options
- Tailored skin care regimens
- Compassionate and supportive environment
- Convenient locations throughout Utah
Why Choose Smart Skin Dermatology?
Unmatched Expertise
Our team boasts extensive experience and advanced training in all aspects of dermatology.
Latest Technology
We utilize cutting-edge technology for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Patient-Centered Care
We are committed to early detection and prevention of skin cancer and other conditions.
Holistic Approach
We address the root cause of your skin concerns and consider your individual needs and lifestyle.
Preventative Care
We are committed to early detection and prevention of skin cancer and other conditions.
Do not let Utah's unique climate and lifestyle compromise your skin health. Schedule an appointment with Smart Skin Dermatology today and experience the difference that comprehensive, personalized care can make.
Additional Resources
American Academy of Dermatology
