When I decided to do this year’s skin cancer detection/prevention article I was surprised at all the new info out there; like the ABC’s of skin cancer detection has progressed to include A thru E! And apparently we lack Vitamin D in our bodies as a result of using sunscreen. The aesthetician in me cringes at that one. So, read and learn people, your lives depend on it…
Did You Know?
The Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon is black but can share the color orange.
Snow bunnies and beach goers should know that snow and sand reflect sunlight and can double UV exposure. UV rays can also pass through water, so don't think you're safe if you're in the pool or Jaccuzzi.
UV rays pass through windows. Check the left side/driving side of your face for hyperpigmentation or brown patches.
Tanning is a form of skin damage.
Bronzers and self-tanners do not protect you from the rays.
We receive up to 85% of our sun damage before we’re 18 years old.
We have fewer oil glands on the back of our hands, under our eyes, neck and décolleté, which is why we age there first. Apply sunscreen liberally!
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer is diagnosed every year in the US. More than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas cancers combined.
Melanoma can appear suddenly as a new mole or it can develop slowly in or near an existing mole. Women often develop melanoma on the lower legs as well as on the torso, Melanomas in men are often found on the torso, or the head and neck area.
Outdoor rays are UVB burning, cancer rays - B for burning. Indoor ultra violet, fluorescent light rays, which travel deeper into the dermis are UVA aging, wrinkling rays - A for aging. All light rays do damage.
The A, B, C, D, and E’s of skin cancer detection
Asymmetry: one-half is unlike the other half. Border: is irregular, scalloped, poorly defined or blurred. Color: multiple colors, not uniform, shades of tan, brown, black, sometimes white, red, or blue. Diameter: melanomas are usually greater than the size of a pencil eraser, though they can be smaller. Evolving: you have a mole or skin lesion is changing in size, shape, or color. Any new mole growth should be a concern.
The Vitamin D Dilemma…
Sunscreen can block vitamin D production.
Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin but a steroid hormone and is vital for all tissues in the body.
Some of the latest research shows that only 10 minutes of exposure to sunlight each day will be enough for Caucasians to reach the recommended level of Vitamin D. People with darker skin will need somewhat longer exposure times.
HOWEVER, and this is big - most dermatologists and cancer groups have argued strongly against this "solution," since all unprotected UV exposure contributes to cumulative skin damage, accelerating aging, and increasing our lifetime risk of skin cancer. Therefore, people, you need to balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure.
How Do We Protect Ourselves?
Cover-up! Find that inner Diva and get a great hat and a dahhling pair of sunglasses!
Use sunscreen lavishly, at least a shot glass full for the entire body every day! Apply a minimum spf 15 at least 20 minutes prior to going out.
Avoid or protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Avoid tanning beds. Period.
Don’t have a dermatologist? Find a board-certified Dr. in your area at www.aad.org
Did You Know?
The Skin Cancer Awareness ribbon is black but can share the color orange.
Snow bunnies and beach goers should know that snow and sand reflect sunlight and can double UV exposure. UV rays can also pass through water, so don't think you're safe if you're in the pool or Jaccuzzi.
UV rays pass through windows. Check the left side/driving side of your face for hyperpigmentation or brown patches.
Tanning is a form of skin damage.
Bronzers and self-tanners do not protect you from the rays.
We receive up to 85% of our sun damage before we’re 18 years old.
We have fewer oil glands on the back of our hands, under our eyes, neck and décolleté, which is why we age there first. Apply sunscreen liberally!
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer is diagnosed every year in the US. More than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas cancers combined.
Melanoma can appear suddenly as a new mole or it can develop slowly in or near an existing mole. Women often develop melanoma on the lower legs as well as on the torso, Melanomas in men are often found on the torso, or the head and neck area.
Outdoor rays are UVB burning, cancer rays - B for burning. Indoor ultra violet, fluorescent light rays, which travel deeper into the dermis are UVA aging, wrinkling rays - A for aging. All light rays do damage.
The A, B, C, D, and E’s of skin cancer detection
Asymmetry: one-half is unlike the other half. Border: is irregular, scalloped, poorly defined or blurred. Color: multiple colors, not uniform, shades of tan, brown, black, sometimes white, red, or blue. Diameter: melanomas are usually greater than the size of a pencil eraser, though they can be smaller. Evolving: you have a mole or skin lesion is changing in size, shape, or color. Any new mole growth should be a concern.
The Vitamin D Dilemma…
Sunscreen can block vitamin D production.
Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin but a steroid hormone and is vital for all tissues in the body.
Some of the latest research shows that only 10 minutes of exposure to sunlight each day will be enough for Caucasians to reach the recommended level of Vitamin D. People with darker skin will need somewhat longer exposure times.
HOWEVER, and this is big - most dermatologists and cancer groups have argued strongly against this "solution," since all unprotected UV exposure contributes to cumulative skin damage, accelerating aging, and increasing our lifetime risk of skin cancer. Therefore, people, you need to balance the risks and benefits of sun exposure.
How Do We Protect Ourselves?
Cover-up! Find that inner Diva and get a great hat and a dahhling pair of sunglasses!
Use sunscreen lavishly, at least a shot glass full for the entire body every day! Apply a minimum spf 15 at least 20 minutes prior to going out.
Avoid or protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Avoid tanning beds. Period.
Don’t have a dermatologist? Find a board-certified Dr. in your area at www.aad.org
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