Hey beautiful people
I hope to find you safe and well. I’ve been busy in the clinic this last month giving online skin consultations, with new clients and catching up with existing ones. I’m sure this month will be same, with so many people seeing huge changes in their skin due to this lockdown period. Please know it’s normal, you're not the only one and we can tweak a few things to get your skin back on track.
This month of May is Skin Cancer awareness month, and I am excited to be part of a growing group of early ‘detectionist’ thanks to SkcinCharity accredited course.
This certification has given me the education and knowledge to spot possible early warning signs of #skincancer, as I see you quite regularly, I consider myself to be in a great position to notice any changes, with that responsibility in mind I felt it was very important to make sure I’m as educated on the topic as possible.
I would like to share some knowledge, facts and myths to help you make more informed discussions.
SKIN CANCER IS THE UK’S MOST COMMON AND FASTEST RISING CANCER. MELANOMA, THE DEADLIEST FORM OF SKIN CANCER IS NOW ONE OF THE BIGGEST CANCER KILLERS IN 15-34 YEAR OLDS. EXPERTS ESTIMATE THAT BY 2024 MELANOMA WILL BECOME ONE OF THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF ALL MAJOR CANCERS.
Over the last twenty-five years, rates of melanoma in Britain have risen faster than any other common cancer, killing more people in the UK than the sunshine capital of the world, Australia*
The early detection of melanoma is vital for survival
There are over 2,400 deaths from melanoma every year
A massive 86% of melanoma cases are PREVENTABLE!*
SKIN CANCER DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE WHEN IT COMES TO AGE, GENDER OR SKIN TYPE. ALL SKIN TYPES CAN BE DAMAGED BY UVR AND WE ARE ALL AT RISK OF DEVELOPING THE DISEASE. HOWEVER, THOSE AT GREATER RISK TYPICALLY FALL INTO ONE OR MORE OF THESE CATEGORIES:
Those with fairer skin that burn more easily are at greater risk
Sun-bed users and active tan seekers are at greater risk due to intermittent,
intense and cumulative damage
Anyone with a history of sunburn, particularly in childhood and/or adolescence
Outdoor workers that spend regular, prolonged periods of time outdoors
Sports enthusiasts who enjoy extended, regular time outdoors without protection
Mature skin which has accumulated UV damage over longer periods of time
Those with more than 100 moles over the entire body
A Family history of skin cancer or melanoma
The sun emits three types of UV rays - UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC rays are blocked by the ozone layer, whilst UVA and UVB penetrate our skin. UVB rays reach the outer layer of the skin - they are known as ‘burning rays’ and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate the middle layer of the skin, they also contribute to skin burning and skin cancer and are responsible for premature ageing.
Do you still need encouraging to purchase daily protection?
I choose to work with AlumierMD a luxury medical brand, their daily moisturiser is also a Broad Spectrum (this is a physical filter not a nasty chemical one) SPF 40 and the non-comedogenic is a SPF 42. They have been designed for different skin colours and different skin needs, if you would like to know more please do message me so we can book a online skin consultation.
How many of you have fallen for this Myth?
It’s a common misconception that using a sun-bed will prepare or protect the skin before going abroad - IT WON’T it just increases cumulative damage and risk. Sun-beds also cause premature ageing, sagging, wrinkling and blotching.
Using a sun-bed just once a month can increase a persons risk of developing skin cancer by more than 50% and regular sun-bed use under the age of 35 increases a persons risk by an alarming 87%.
Please stop using Sun-beds if you are using them.
WHEN IT COMES TO SKIN CANCER, PREVENTION IS CERTAINLY BETTER THAN CURE AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT AROUND 86% OF ALL SKIN CANCERS ARE AVOIDABLE. BY ADOPTING FIVE SIMPLE SUN SAFE STRATEGIES, WE CAN DRAMATICALLY DECREASE OUR RISK OF DEVELOPING THE DISEASE. TO ENJOY THE SUN SAFELY FOLLOW THE FIVE S’s OF SUN SAFETY. WHEN UV LEVELS REACH 3 OR ABOVE:
SLIP on a t-shirt to keep shoulders covered as they can easily burn
SLOP on a quality SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin
SLAP on a wide brimmed hat to shade the face, neck and ears
SLIDE on quality sunglasses to protect the eyes
SHADE seek shade when possible, particularly during peak UV hours (11am-3pm)
It’s so lovely to spend some time in the sun ️when we have it, just be prepared... prevention is key!
I wish you a healthy and happy month ahead. Until next month beautiful people.
Love the skin you’re in
Sam x
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