May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin Cancer is the most predominant cancer in the U.S. but the good news is there are some steps we can take to better defend our skin in these summer months. Here are some tips from our skin care experts:
#1: Sunless tanning versus tanning beds.
We know it’s tempting to bronze for bikini season, but tanning booths can cause cumulative damage from UV radiation which can age skin faster. Wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer can increase after the tanning bed bronze goes away. Research shows that tanning bed use can increase your chance of melanoma up to 75%. Sunless tanners can provide a more even tan which you can dial up or down to your favorite shade while also protecting your skin from the harm of UV radiation!
Get yourself an amazing bronze with our Sunless Tanner. It’s vitamin D infused to give you the healthy benefits of the sun without the UV damage!
#2 Wear a daily face cream with Broad Spectrum SPF.
Protect your pretty face every day with an SPF 30 or higher moisturizer. Look for mineral based (and reef safe) ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Iron Oxide. It will keep you safe from UV rays and early signs of aging. Add it to your routine in the morning if you haven’t already. Don’t miss forgotten areas like ears, neck and hands! Worried about white cast and the greasy feel of oxides? SkinSuit™ is non-greasy, sheer, lightweight and makes a great base for foundation.
#3 Protect your skin with SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
While we mostly see our face in the mirror, 90% of our skin is often overlooked for sunscreen application. Be sure to protect your body (think about how much time your left arm sits in the sun while driving in the car!). Wear an SPF 30 or above sunscreen to protect your skin from daily sun damage. Our Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 30 is lightweight, protects, and hydrates for daily sun exposure. It makes your skin baby soft while blocking out harmful UV rays. If you’re sweating or swimming, be sure to reapply every 40 minutes.
#4 Wear hats and protective sunglasses between 10 and 4.
Wear hats and glasses with UV protection when you are in direct sunlight. UV rays are strongest between 10AM-4PM, so be sure to be extra careful during those hours. It’s good to be outside and get vitamin D, but too much sun exposure has long term damage. Vitamin D improves your health and mood. It’s extremely important to include it in your diet and skin care routine. Instead of over baking in the sunlight, take vitamin supplements and a daily dose of our topical D3+ Serum. Your skin will be full of antioxidants to protect against environmental damage.
#5 Make sure to get a checkup every year from your dermatologist.
Have a full body inspection done by your dermatologist at least once a year. A tiny freckle that looks normal may actually turn out to be skin cancer. Your derm can do a check up to make sure everything on your skin is safe!