Skin Cancer Awareness

Being proactive about protecting your skin should be a daily ritual, but just in case it isn’t, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed, and there are a few simple changes you can make to your lifestyle that can help prevent the development of this disease.

There are a few forms that skin cancer can take. The most common forms are basal and squamous cell carcinomas, which are both linked to overexposure to the sun’s rays, specifically UV radiation. Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal, but squamous cell carcinomas can lead to death if left untreated. The less common but more aggressive form of skin cancer is melanoma, which can become dangerous if not caught in the early stages. Melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths, and like other skin cancers, it is also linked to overexposure to the sun. Despite the fact that there are different types that may take a greater or lesser toll on your skin, any type of skin cancer is detrimental to your health and should be taken seriously.

Now that the weather is warming up, it’s tempting to go outside and start soaking up those rays, but there are some important things to remember before heading out. Wearing SPF 15 or higher significantly decreases the risk of developing skin cancer. All of the products in our Sunforgettable ® Mineral Sunscreen line contain SPF 30+ and block out UVA and UVB rays, which cause all three types of skin cancer listed above. Applying sunscreen daily, even on days when the sun doesn’t seem strong, is a crucial first step in protecting yourself from developing skin cancer. Make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours to ensure that your skin is fully protected.

In addition to applying sunscreen, taking breaks from the sun during your days outdoors can also decrease the likelihood of developing skin cancer. The sun’s rays are strongest during the middle of the day, so during peak hours, try to give your skin a rest and stay out of the sun for a few minutes. Though the summer tan is a coveted look, keeping your skin healthy and glowing should always be a priority!

The risk of developing skin cancer is present any time you are vulnerable to sunlight without the proper protection for your skin. Make sure that you are doing all you can to decrease your risk for skin cancer, and take a look at some of the products in our Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen line that you can incorporate into your everyday routine.