We all crave the summer sun particularly after this past winter. Arrgh. Sometimes the sweet thought of summer is the only thing that gets us through the winter. But summer sun has its share of risks. One being skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. About 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year. Melanoma, a more advanced and often deadly skin cancer can be found not only on the skin out in plain sight but also under the nails, in the eyes or mouth and even in the genitalia or anal tissue. Melanoma claims 10,000 of the 13,000 skin cancer deaths per year.

Some signs of possible skin cancer.

· Any change on your skin, especially in the size or color of a mole, growth, or spot, or a new growth (even if it has no color)

· Scaliness, roughness, oozing, bleeding, or a change in the way an area of skin looks

· A sore that doesn’t heal, or an overall change and spread in the color of your skin

How do you avoid skin cancer?

Essentially the fairer skinned you are the more prone you are to skin cancer. But dark skinned people also get skin cancer so everyone needs to follow these simple rules to avoid disease.

Avoid the sun altogether between 10 am and 4pm. Wear a long sleeve shirt in the sun. Cover your head with a hat in the sun, wear sunglasses, and use sunscreen.

About sunscreen.

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Look for a ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen with an spf of 30 or greater. Use at least a palm full to protect all exposed areas of the skin. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Marlene Weber of Marlene Weber Day Spa in Poughkeepsie, NY suggests SKINCEUTICALS, a cosme-ceutical grade sunscreen for all types of activity, especially since recent science has shown that adding antioxidants to your regimen (like skincueticals, CE Ferulic, Phloritin CF) add another layer of protection deep within your skin as sunscreens are not 100% foolproof.

Enjoy the summer and stay healthy!

Sources:

Facts taken from skincancer.org and the skin cancer foundation.

Marlene Weber

Marlene Weber has been a pioneer in the beauty industry in the Hudson Valley since 1976 and owns the Marlene Weber Day Spa on Route 44 next to Adams Fairacre Farms in Poughkeepsie, NY. www.marleneweber.com

PHOTO CREDIT: STRÒLIC FURLÀN - DAVIDE GABINO

Protect your skin from the summer sun