Skin Cancer, learn how to protect yourself

(Not) Another Lecture on Skin Cancer....

I know what happens every Spring.  Skin Cancer Awareness Month begins. You read the articles and cringe at the pictures and pledge that you’ll never go without sunscreen again.  Then June comes along with its bright blue skies, lazy days by the pool, and weekend barbecues and all of your sun-smart intentions are forgotten like a bad dream.....

I’m not trying to spoil your anticipation of the glorious summer months ahead, but I’ve seen the deep scars left behind from when Melanoma has crept its way into an unsuspecting life (every 8 minutes in the U.S.). And after many years of helping my clients (and myself) reverse their bad sun behavior I’ve come up with a list of what I think are some of the most important facts about skin cancer and the sun.

1.) Skin Cancer kills more people every year than any other type of cancer.

2.) It takes less than 10 minutes in the sun to cause DNA damage.

3.) UVA rays (the ones that go deep into the skin, accelerate aging ,and are 2-3X stronger in a tanning bed) are basically the same strength all year.  This is why you need to use a daily moisturizer with sunscreen even in the winter months.

4.) Just one severe sunburn during childhood increases the risk of developing melanoma later in life (and the risk doubles after 5 burns).

5.) It can take up to 10 years for sun damage to show up on your skin.  This is why a lot of us “just woke up one morning and were covered in sunspots.”

Okay, now that we’ve all reviewed May’s lessons on skin cancer, what can we do about it?  Use a daily moisturizer with a broad spectrum sunscreen like the Green Tea Antioxidant SPF 30 Moisturizer.  It’s very lightweight and I promise you won’t know you’re wearing sunscreen.  AHA Kojic Peels and daily exfoliators target sunspots and sweep away dull damaged skin and Max Strength Alpha Arbutin Serum will give your new healthy skin a smooth even tone.  Finally my favorite, Vitamin C.  Whether in a cream or serum, it’s one of the best weapons to give dull sun damaged skin a beautiful healthy glow.

Now this holiday weekend, lets all welcome June with open arms (covered in sunscreen).

Kristen is a licensed esthetician and has been working in the beauty industry for over 9 years. Through many years of experience and continuous training she has acquired extensive knowledge in the skin care field. She loves educating her clients and helping people look and feel their best!