Sun Protection

Hello, I know in many areas of the US, it is still cold…however sun protection is still important in the winter and even cloudy days! But hopefully we can start spending more time outside and I am just reminding you to PLEASE PROTECT YOUR SKIN!

All of my education that I am sharing is from Skin Cancer Foundation. To learn more, please check out website at: https://www.skincancer.org/

My father passed away about a year ago to Melanoma, so this topic is close to my heart! And if I can help anyone else from losing a loved one and going through the hurt an sadness of watching a loved one through the cancer battle, I want too! because honestly, CANCER SUCKS!!! And I want to bring awareness to as many people as possible on how important it is to protect! Sadly once the damage is done you can’t go back and fix it. So PROTECT AND PREVENT!

Just yesterday I had a friend from work tell me she was going tanning after work and I was like “you’re kidding right?! don’t you know how bad it is for your skin?” I was angry! she was intentionally damaging her skin and I told her that. However, I know I was guilty of wanting that tan all the time too (in my younger years). But I never knew how bad it was for me! but as long as I try and educate others, I can’t control what they do obviously… I just need to be annoying about it and keep reminding her 😉

So lets start with how to protect and prevent! Because skin damage and cancer can be preventative! Below are some quick, important facts and how to protect yourself! And further down you will see help with choosing the right skin care prevention products.

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How to find the right product to care for your skin:

The Skin Cancer Foundation grants its Seal of Recommendation to products that meet the Foundation’s specific criteria for effective UV sun protection. The Seal program covers many categories of sun protection, each with its own specific standards. Sunscreen products may be granted the Daily Use or Active Seal. All other sun protection products may be granted the Traditional Seal. Learn More about the Seal of Recommendation. When you go this website, all products that have met these standards, are listed under “Recommended Products”.

However, if you do find yourself with damaged skin, keep a close eye on any birth marks, moles and brown spots, do a skin check monthly and look for any changes; including the color, size and texture of the area.

If you HAVE any concerns with your skin, please see a healthcare provider! And from experience, I highly suggest going prepared to the appointment with details about your concerns and changes. This will help guide the providers treatment or next step and can speed up your medical care. However, just going to the appointment saying that you see changes in your skin, with no specifics, may not really help move your treatment to the next step in a timely manner, so be prepared! and it could sound something like this “in January I did my skin check and noticed a new mole on my arm. In February, It looked darker. In March, it was darker than it was in February and grew”. I like to take pictures, because I tend to doubt myself and will question “is that really bigger or am just imagining it?” That’s where a picture helps me. But being prepared in any manner, is more effective and efficient for both you and your provider.

What you need to know about skin cancer: