As we step into Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s crucial to shed light on this prevalent yet preventable condition. Skin cancer, often triggered by excessive UV exposure, remains one of the most common cancers worldwide. Let’s delve deeper into this topic, exploring its significance and ways to protect ourselves.
Skin cancer arises from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells, primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. The three main types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, with melanoma being the most aggressive form.
According to Cancer Research UK, one in every 54 people in the UK will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Melanoma, although less common than other types of skin cancer, is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths in the UK, with an estimated 2,300 deaths each year.
The black ribbon symbolises Skin Cancer awareness, much like the pink ribbons in October are for Breast Cancer awareness. Black is used to promote awareness and to remind people that darker colours provide more protection than light colours by preventing more UV rays from reaching your skin.
Importance of Early Detection
Early detection is paramount in the fight against skin cancer. Regular self-examinations and annual skin checks by a dermatologist or trained skincare professional can help identify suspicious moles or lesions early, increasing the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
Role of Vitamin A in skin health
Vitamin A plays a crucial role in skin health, functioning as an antioxidant that helps protect against environmental damage and supports cellular turnover and regeneration. In skincare, Vitamin A, commonly in the form of retinoids, is prized for its ability to promote collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, research suggests that Vitamin A may help bolster the skin’s natural defence mechanisms against UV radiation, potentially reducing the risk of skin cancer damage and supporting overall skin resilience and health. In the clinic, we offer a skin consultation whereby we can discuss all the different types of vitamin A skincare available and what might be best suited for your skin. One of our favourites is Environ Skincare, with a gentle and effective step-up system of vitamin A creams.
Promoting Sun Safety
One of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer is by practising sun safety. This includes seeking shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts, and using sunscreen with a high SPF rating.
Sun Safety should start from a young age. Protecting babies and children from the sun’s harmful rays is paramount for lifelong skin health. In clinic we recommend SVR laboratoire Dermatologique SPF range as it has suitable sunscreen options designed specifically for babies, kids, and teens, ensuring comprehensive protection against UV damage from an early age. Choosing the right sunscreen and practising sun-safe habits from childhood helps instil lifelong habits of skin protection and reduces the risk of sun damage and skin cancer later in life.
The Role of Sunscreen SPF
Sunscreen, specifically SPF (Sun Protection Factor), plays a crucial role in protecting our skin from harmful UV radiation. SPF measures a sunscreen’s ability to block UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn and a significant contributor to skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and applying it generously to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.
When selecting a sunscreen, it’s essential to opt for a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for non-comedogenic and water-resistant options, especially if you’ll be swimming or sweating. Additionally, consider the texture and formulation that best suits your skin type, whether it’s a lotion, cream, gel, or spray. In the clinic, we offer a wide range of different brands of sunscreen SPF for different skin types and price ranges; our favourites include iS Clinical Extreme Protect 40 for added anti-ageing and hydrating ingredients, pH Formula UV Protect 30, great for acne skin or Juliette Armand Sunfilm SPF30 with a slight hint of colour is great for all skin types – see our full range on online shop MYSKIN Shop UK
Daily Skincare Routine
To help reduce your risk of skin cancer and ensure you are adequately protected, make sunscreen application a daily habit. This should be the final product to apply in your skincare routine after your moisturiser, even if your moisturiser has an SPF within (quite a few cosmetic moisturisers do contain an SPF as they sit on the surface of the skin). A dedicated sunscreen SPF to be applied afterwards is important, especially for sensitive skin, acne-prone, pigment-prone, or any skin condition. Sunscreen SPF should be applied to the face and body 365 days a year, even on cloudy, rainy or wintery days, as UV rays can still penetrate the skin.
It’s important during the summer months to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating. We love in clinic and highly recommend Jane Iredale Powder-Me Dry SPF 30, as it provides a handy handbag size dry sunscreen and can be used by all the family for regular top-ups when you’re out and about. Don’t forget to apply to ears, lips, back of hands, tops of feet as these are often overlooked areas.
Where can I get skincare advice, protect my skin, and help prevent skin cancer?
There is a lot of skincare options and a lot of different sunscreens out on the market today, if you feel overwhelmed you are not alone. As a skin specialist clinic, we are dedicated to providing personalised skincare advice to help you protect your skin effectively. One of our key brands, Environ Skincare, which originated from skin cancer research and treatment, offers a range of products formulated to promote skin health and resilience. Coupled with Environ’s scientifically advanced formulations, regular Environ facials can aid in fortifying skin health, enhancing its natural defences against environmental aggressors.
Our skin specialist, Natalie, is trained by the MASCED skin cancer charity to empower her to detect early signs of potential lesions during facials, ensuring holistic skincare that prioritises both beauty and health. Combined with a wide range of premium skincare products available to give personalised prescriptive skincare plans, these include reputable brands like INNOaesthetics, pH Formula, Environ, iS Clinical, Juliette Armand, Advanced Nutrition Programme and FILLMED. You can trust our recommendations to keep your skin safe and healthy. Our full and extensive range of skincare, body care, skin supplements and make-up can be viewed through our online shop MYSKIN Shop UK
As Skin Cancer Awareness Month reminds us, prioritising sun safety and skin protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer. By raising awareness, promoting early detection, and embracing sun-safe practices like applying SPF, we can all play a part in minimising the impact of this preventable disease. Let’s join forces to spread awareness, protect our skin, and prioritise our overall health and well-being.
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