Goodbye Summer. We loved your sunny days! Hello Fall and Winter – bring on your brisk outdoor fun times and holiday festivities!
No matter the season, your amazing skin finds itself spending time in the sun and it’s UV rays are aging your skin, causing age spots, wrinkles and, unfortunately, skin cancer (melanoma).
You may not know that…
- The most common form of cancer is skin cancer. Over one million people in the U.S. each year are diagnosed with skin cancer. Sadly, many more go undiagnosed.
- There are three types of skin cancer:
- Basal Cell – a slow growing cancer which is unlikely to spread to distant areas of the body or cause death. It appears as a painless, sometimes shiny raised area of the skin
- Squamous Cell – more likely to spread. It appears as a hard lump with a scaly top
- Melanoma – the most aggressive. Moles that have changed in size, color or shape or are itchy or bleed are some of the signs of melanoma.
- People with lots of moles have a higher risk of melanoma. It is critical to have your moles checked every year for changes in color, shape or size.
- Skin cancer is serious. However, most skin cancers, if found early, are treatable.
- Sunscreen does not prevent skin cancer. Sunscreen helps block the sun’s rays than lead to skin cancer. But sun damage is cumulative.That means that every sunburn you had as a child contributes to your susceptibility to skin cancer. Choose a sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the epidermis affecting the dermis beneath causing your skin to age quickly. UVB rays burn the epidermis. Both can lead to cancerous skin lesions.
HELPFUL HINT: It is critical as you age, to have your skin checked – all of it – at least once a year for any changes or abnormalities and to have any pre-cancerous lesions treated.
At DeLaine Anti-Aging, we care about your skin and will discuss any concerns you may have. Call to book an appointment, today!