Skin Cancer Awareness
With summer now in full swing, everyone is out in the sun more. We all need to be reminded of the importance of protecting our skin from the sun and skin cancer prevention.
At West Em, we are all about gorgeous glowing skin, but more importantly, healthy skin. Once you reach your 20s or 30s, we generally recommend patients see a dermatologist or plastic surgeon for their annual skin checks.
Early detection is key, so if you have a family history of skin cancer, are in the sun a lot, or have moles, you may consider getting your annual skin check sooner. We aren’t biased and love all of our supporting and surrounding dermatologists and plastic surgeons!
According to local dermatologist, Dr. Larry Feigenbaum, full skin cancer screenings may be recommended as early as 25 years old depending on your risk factors. Family history of cancer and history of tanning bed usage or blistering sunburns are all key indicators that you should check in with your dermatologist. They can then guide you on the frequency of future exams.
"One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Melanoma is the leading cause of cancer death in young women ages 25-30 and the second leading cause of cancer death in women ages 30-35. If these are caught early by skin cancer screening, however, the cure rate can be very high. “- Dr. Larry Feigenbaum
1. Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 ($40) - We love that this sunscreen is tinted and covers well; most of us use it as our daily makeup. This sunscreen leaves a dewy glow finish. Water-resistant for 80 mins.
2. Elta MD UV Clear SPF ($41) - We love this as a daily use product for acne-prone skin. It has light coverage and leaves no residue. It provides both UVA and UVB protection and calms acne-prone skin. This is important for preventing post hyperpigmentation which can worsen with sun exposure. UV clear also comes in a non-tinted version. This product is not water-resistant, so you will want to apply a water-resistant SPF on top.
3. Alastin HydraTint ($60) - This tinted SPF is a lightweight, all-mineral, broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen that hydrates and protects skin from harmful UVA/ UVB rays while providing a soft, glowing appearance. This product is great for all skin types and has medium coverage. HydraTint is packed with powerful antioxidants to help protect skin from pollution, IR rays, and blue light. It provides long-lasting hydration and is a fragrance-free reef-friendly formulation. It will leave no white residue which is ideal being that it is water-resistant for 40 minutes.
4. Alastin SilkSHIELD® All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($55) - With powerful yet gentle protection, this transparent sunscreen has an exclusive peptide blend that provides anti-aging benefits long after sunset. The formula is a lightweight, fast-absorbing, broad-spectrum sunscreen that blends in sheer. It provides protection from UVA/UVB, IR rays, pollution, and blue light. This SPF is perfect for sensitive or vulnerable skin, including post-cosmetic treatment skin.
5. Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 ($50) - Powder-me is a dry sunscreen that is perfect for layering over makeup or reapplying throughout the day. It is a weightless, dry, physical SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen for the face, body, and scalp in a refillable flow-through vegan brush. Wear alone or over makeup. We love this for a mess-free sunscreen for the entire family!
How to help prevent skin cancer:
Wear your sunscreen every day! No matter the weather, just make it a part of your daily routine, it only takes a few seconds.
Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. To decrease this risk, regularly use sunscreen with a Broad Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher. L
Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 am-2 pm and wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.
When choosing sunscreen for outside, make sure you are reapplying it every 2 hours.
Not only will sunscreen help to protect you from skin cancer, but it will help prevent premature aging.
Don’t forget to protect your ears, your part, and your hands with SPF as well!