Contributed by Diana Straub
Hello Friends,
Recently I read, skin cancer is the most common of all human cancers, with 1 million people in the U.S. diagnosed each year. I am surprised that statement is still true today. The challenge is many times the damage contributing to the cancer was done decades prior to the diagnosis, when we were young and invincible. The truth is skin cancer can be very disfiguring, as it is removed one chunk at a time and sadly, there are several fatal cases of skin cancer annually.
At this time, our best tools we have to protect ourselves against skin cancers are: clothing, shade, self-examinations and sunscreen (SPF). When dressing for a day in the sun, be sure to wear a hat that cover your head, ears and face. Our clothing can help to protect us; however, it can be challenging to wear long sleeves and long pants during hot summer heather. In Alaska, we are blessed with gentle summer weather. Sportsman’s Warehouse, a local outdoors store, offers UPF sunscreen clothing. Lastly, sunglasses to protect your eyes. Seek shade during the hours the sun’s rays are most intense in your area or you can feel your skin beginning to burn. For a step-by-step guide to Self-Examinations visit https://www.skincancer.org/skincancer-information/early-detection/step-by-step-self-examination/.
A quick refresher on SPF (sun protection factor) application. Apply to skin 30 minutes before going outdoors. If you use a daily skin care regimen, most likely you are applying sunscreen with your morning moisturizer. A SPF of 15 or higher needs to be applied and given time for your skin to absorb the lotion, cream or spray before putting on clothing. When applying your sunscreen, be sure to apply to the part in your hairline, thinning or bald areas. Remember the back of your neck, the ear front and back including that exposed skin on your head, move down the throat and on to the chest. If you do not use a daily facial moisturizer with SPF, cover your face with a thin layer of SPF keeping it off of the eyelid. As you cover the rest of your body, remember to apply SPF between your fingers and toes. It is important to cover your skin in all of the places you anticipate sun touching you, even through your clothes or sandals.
Many years ago, a dear friend of mine spent several hours each day on her horse. She always wore sunscreen; however, she did not apply it to the top of her thighs because she wore jeans each day. Down the road several years, she was diagnosed with skin cancer on the top of both thighs. Denim alone was not enough of a UV barrier for the many hours she was in the sun each day. This cancer was not fatal, but it was costly and painful.
For more information on skin cancer or it’s prevention visit www.skincancer.org. Brands such as Mary Kay have earned the RECOMMENDED seals issued by the Skin Cancer Foundation for having trusted SPF products. Mary Kay also offers after sun product to care for a sun-burn or preserve your golden glow.
I wish you a happy and healthy summer enjoying all Alaska has to offer under the midnight sun.
Diana L. Straub
Cosmetologist
907-841-7245 or DianaLStraub@gmail.com
Mary Kay
Advanced Skin Care Consultant
Independent Beauty Consultant
