May is Skin Cancer Detection
and Prevention Month. |
Hello all Arizonans,
 Did you know that 90% of sun damage is done before the age of 18? Do you know what Sun Protection Factor (SPF) you should be using? Have you had your skin checked lately? If your answer to any of the above questions is "no", please read on...
Arizona has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and currently 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer. Nearly 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually and the rates are soaring. Education is the key in knowing what to do to be proactive in your health screening. Knowledge is power: add prevention techniques to your daily routine.
Here are the basics:
- Please avoid the sun during the high risk skin-damaging hours of 10 am to 2pm, when the most harmful rays and UV risk are the highest, and it is easy to be burned.
- Apply a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 30 that contains more than 5% titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and or avobenzone. Avoid sunscreens that contain retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone as they can create easy burnability in the sun and can be more harmful.
- Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas. One ounce (1 shot glass) of sunscreen should cover all exposed areas.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after water exposure and or excessive sweating. No sunscreen is waterproof, just water-resistant.
- Wear protective clothing including wide brim hats, long sleeves and sunglasses at all times.
- Get your skin checked annually by a trained dermatology professional. If you notice any changes in the size, shape, color and or itching/bleeding of any mole or spot, seek care as soon as possible.
- Do self exams. We suggest that you pick the day of your birthday (ie, the 17th of the month) and every month on that day, check yourself in your birthday suit for any changes.
- Teamwork between you and your dermatology professional is key to early detection and diagnosis.
Together we can make a difference!
In support of Skin Cancer Prevention Month, during the month of May, please enjoy 10% off all sun care products at Ahwatukee Skin & Laser including Image, Blue Lizard, Colorscience, La Roche Possay, Skin Medica, Skin Scripts and Jan Marini. Shop our suncreens online and use coupon code MAYSUN10 at checkout.
In good skin health,
Sarah
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