As we enter the sunniest months of the year, May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a vital time to promote education around sun protection and early detection of skin cancers. Based in Houston, Dermatology Physician Assistant Omni McCluney is using this opportunity to spotlight how essential it is to be proactive about skin health—especially for those with medically sensitive skin.
With over seven years of experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, Ms. McCluney brings both professional insight and personal depth to her work. After starting her career in family practice, she pivoted to dermatology, motivated by her own health journey, including a rare autoimmune diagnosis and a double lung transplant. Now, as founder of Resilience Skin and Beauty, she combines her clinical skills with firsthand empathy to advocate for holistic, personalized skincare.
Warning Signs of Skin Cancer: Know Your ABCDEs (and F)
“Early detection can save lives,” says McCluney. “That’s why it’s so important to regularly check your skin and understand what to look for.”
She recommends using the ABCDE + F guide:
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
B – Borders: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
C – Color: Uneven color or multiple shades (black, red, brown).
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)—though smaller moles can still be cancerous.
E – Evolution: Any change in size, shape, color, or behavior over time.
F – Frequency: Regular self-checks are key, especially for those with a family history of skin cancer or who are on immunosuppressive medications.
The Risks of Sun Exposure in Warmer Months
As temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with increased sun exposure.
“People are spending more time outdoors, and often forgetting how strong UV rays can be,” McCluney warns. “Without proper sun protection, this can lead to burns, irritation, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and ultimately an increased risk of skin cancer.”
She especially advises caution for those using active skincare ingredients like AHA/BHA or retinols, which can heighten sun sensitivity.
Common Summer Skin Issues—and What to Do About Them
With the shift in seasons comes a rise in certain skin conditions—especially those caused by yeast and excess oil.
“This is the season for yeast,” McCluney explains. “I see an increase in cases of seborrheic dermatitis—which often appears as dandruff—and yeast-related inflammation on the body, particularly in warm, humid environments.”
She emphasizes that treating these conditions early is key to avoiding more severe irritation.
How to Adjust Your Skincare Routine for Summer
Seasonal transitions are the perfect time to reassess your skincare regimen. McCluney advises paying attention to how your skin reacts to warmer weather.
“If your skin tends to get oilier in the summer, consider swapping oil-based serums for cream-based products to prevent clogged pores,” she says. “You might also benefit from using a BHA cleanser, like salicylic acid, to keep your skin clear.”
Other summer skincare tips:
Increase SPF: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a higher SPF.
Be mindful of actives: Use retinols and AHAs/BHAs more cautiously or cycle them to avoid irritation.
Stay hydrated: Heat can dehydrate the skin, so internal and topical hydration are key.
As Skin Cancer Awareness Month continues, McCluney hopes to empower more people—especially those with chronic conditions or sensitive skin—to take their skin health seriously.
“Skin is our largest organ. It tells a story. The more we listen to it, the better we can care for our whole selves.”
Connect with Omni McCluney:
Instagram| @melanin_practitionher
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