May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and I thought I’d need to write a post as this is an essential part of our health. And recommend a great sunblock too.
Having been in the dermatology field during the early part of my career, I can’t tell you how many screenings came back with Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and of course, well-known melanoma.
I know “laying out” in my teens, and even early ’20s was essential to get that perfect tan. However, as kids, we don’t realize the long-term effects of imposing on our bodies or skin.
As adults, however, we need to protect our skin and teach our children to do the same before it’s too late.
COMMON TYPES OF SKIN CANCER
Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common of the skin cancers. Located on the body that is most exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck. There is an increased risk of developing another basal cell within 5 years of the original diagnosis. This is a reminder as to why checkups or follow-up appointments are so important.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This skin cancer develops on the outermost layer of the skin. Again, commonly found in areas most exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, face, or the back of the hand.
Melanoma
Skin cancer develops in the skin cells. Melanoma is the most serious and critical skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 96,480 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2019. It can develop anywhere on the body, including eyes, scalp, nails, feet, mouth, etc.
For more on Melanoma visit https://melanoma.org/melanoma-education/understand-melanoma/facts-stats/
Treatment
Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are removed through various means of excisions or surgical procedures. There are many variables at play, and your doctor will determine which is the best option for you.
Please read more about Basal / Squamous Cell treatments here https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/treating/surgery.html
I recommend reading further information about risk factors at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
Melanoma treatments can range from surgical removal and can include radiation/chemotherapy. I am not a doctor, and further information should be discussed with your treating doctor as this is a very serious matter.
https://melanoma.org/melanoma-education/understand-melanoma/cutaneous-melanoma/treatment-cutaneous/
LOWER YOUR SKIN CANCER RISK BY:
Limiting exposure to UV Rays
Avoid tanning beds
Skin check yourself and see a dermatologist
Avoid harmful chemicals
Avoid smoking
PROTECTION
The American Academy of Dermatology is asking “Do You Use Protection?” and is encouraging you to practice safe sun every time you are outdoors.
One of the easiest and well-known preventions is to wear sunblock. Yet, so many of us don’t do it. It’s easy to forget in the morning rush in our routine, or we forget to pack it when we are outside—so many reasons. I’m not an exception. However, this is something that needs to be remembered by all of us (talking to myself here too).
There is nothing more important than wearing sunblock to protect our skin. Everyone must wear sunblock, and this includes all skin types or complexions. Skin Cancer doesn’t discriminate against anyone.
UV PROTECTION / SUNBLOCK
If you’re like me at all, you love trying all the new make-up, skincare, hair care products you can find. Sunblock falls into skincare, so let’s try this fun and cool product. Well, you may or may not have heard of or tried Colorescience makeup and UV protectors, but I have. They’re awesome.
You may or may not know I had a pretty long career in the aesthetic field, almost 20 years. And that is where I was introduced to this product line. The practice I worked for carried the entire line. So I got to try almost all the products. I wasn’t going to pass up that opportunity. LOL
By far the best product is the UV Protectors
They’re a different way of thinking about sunblock. This isn’t your mama’s sunblock. No more white pasty sunblock. Not with this product, at least.
The Sunforgettable Line is administered in a brush dispenser and releases a mineral sunblock. Crazy, right? It’s cool, and it works. Even better, it comes in different shades, so you find your best match. The product can be worn alone or on top of your makeup. Why on top? It serves as a physical barrier on top of your skin.
Don’t worry. It doesn’t mess up your makeup. They have different coverage options from sheer or medium coverage and come in SPF 30 or SPF 50 options. If you’re not sure about the mineral powder sunblock, then there is also a liquid version of Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50. The cool fact is the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends these products.
I haven’t tried the Face Shield SPF 50 though. But, given all the other products that I’ve used over the years, I can’t imagine this isn’t great too. In fact, I think I just talked myself into getting this one. I can’t help myself sometimes.
COLORESCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE PROTECTS YOU FROM
UV Rays
Pollution Defense
Blue (HEV) light – that’s your cell phone
Infrared radiation – minimizes
So while skin cancer is not a fun thing to get, we can at least make the prevention part a little fun. I find if I like something enough and it’s fun to use, see benefits or results, I’m going to remember to use it. This is one of those products. Throw it in your bag and have it with you when you need it. It’s not big and bulky so that it won’t weigh you down. If you have kids, this is great for them too!
They offer other products which most all contain SPF as well. BUT if you get makeup with SPF cause you can’t resist, I don’t think you should skip the separate Sunforgettable. It’s the best course of action to layer sunblock products, especially on the face. So use the makeup with SPF and layer the Sunforgettable on top.
I will say it is not a $10 or even $20 sunblock. This is the real deal and will cost you more for real protection. You have to be willing or at least open to investing in yourself, health, and well-being. You are worth it; save your skin. Give it a try.
Skin Cancer Awareness month is a time to be proactive in protecting our largest organ, our skin. SPF also helps with protecting our skin from aging. In addition to hydration which is just as important. Be diligent in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Protecting our skin is part of maintaining our health and well-being too.
Protect yourself!
I wish you peace and guidance on your journey. Take care and be well.
