As instances of skin cancer are appearing in younger and younger people by growing numbers, we are starting to really learn the true strength and power of the sun. In honor of May as Melanoma Awareness Month, Dr. Reyes is hoping to teach you all a bit about skin care and prevention.
As the deadliest and most dangerous type of Skin Cancer, Melanoma can appear in various forms and varieties. The most common visual notification is found in skin moles that change shape and/or color over time.
The easiest habit to adopt (and the one most people seem to forget) is sunscreen on your face EVERY day. Male or female, the advice is the same. Live in a cold climate and only sees the sun in the Spring/Summer? That doesn’t matter. When the sky isn’t black, there are UV rays exposed to your skin constantly. Work under fluorescent lights? You are also exposed to similar damage.
Now, all of that scary news is followed up with this tid bit – if detected early, it is almost always a CURABLE form of cancer. There are huge success rates for recovery post-detection.
Knowing this we have some suggestions to help prevent future damage -
1. Wear sunscreen on your face/hands everyday. No exceptions.
2. Use appropriate sunscreen – Recent studies have exposed that sunscreen with an SPF of over 50 are not better than those 15-30. The higher SPF’s do extend your ability to be in the sun.
3. Do not use tanning beds. Ever. No exceptions.
4. When on the beach, exercising outside, going for walks, etc, wear a hat. It’s an easy accessory with lots of fashion options to make your outfit even cuter!
5. Reading a book on the beach? Why not read that under the coolness of an umbrella? This guarantees your skin an added layer of protection.
6. Quit smoking – For women in particular, the cell mutation that occurs with smoking for 20+ years makes you 50%-80% more likely to get skin cancer before the age of 60.
7. Get annual Skin Cancer Screenings by a trusted physician. Particularly if you have moles and/or freckles, make sure you are having them measured and diagnosed.
We carry three different sunscreens at The Med Spot and are happy to consult with you on which one is right for you!
For some extra help, watch this “Derm TV” video on how to choose the right sunscreen for you! Dr. Reyes is here to answer any and all of your questions.