Enter for a Chance to WIN from Decleor During Skin Cancer Awareness Month!
Did you know May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month? (I know I’m over three weeks overdue but better late than never!) The Skin Cancer statistics are alarming:
- In some parts of the world, melanoma is increasing at rates faster than any other cancer.
- More than 1.2 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
- Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills one person every hour.
Before the warm summer days lull you into a sunning and tanning trance, keep in mind that the skin is the body’s largest organ and susceptible to cancer too.
If you haven’t already, please schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for a full body professional skin exam so the doctor can check for and monitor odd-shaped moles or other signs of skin cancer. I just had my full body skin exam last week.
If you’re like me and cannot resist the warmth of the sun, here are some tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation on how to make the most of the sun with overdosing on the harmful rays:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Do not burn (at least try not to
) - Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
Our friends at Decleor has offered national skincare expert Shannon Gallogly to answer your sun and skincare questions. If you’d like to ask Shannon a question, please leave a comment below and I’ll post the responses to your questions late next week. We’ll pick a random winner from the comments below to WIN a Decleor Aroma Sun Stick SPF 25 worth $21.
So what are you waiting for? Be sure to submit a question! One winner will be chosen at random.
On May 28th, 2009 Halifax said:
Please clarify the myth: Anything above SPF30 is pretty much the same (i.e. there’s no point going SPF 50, as it’s nothing better than SPF30). Thanks
On May 28th, 2009 Jackie said:
What’s the best suncreen for girls with sensitive skin and burn easily?
On May 28th, 2009 Kat said:
There are many new technologies in today’s sunscreens (helioplex, etc.). Are any of these better at protecting skin? Also, is there a huge difference between SPF 30 and 70?
On May 28th, 2009 kathy said:
is it oil free? can it be used on oily skin?
On May 28th, 2009 Melissa J said:
How can I protect my hair and scalp while swimming, or being active without a hat?
On May 28th, 2009 Michelle said:
It’s so great that you guys are highlighting such an important issue! Is there a difference between sport sunblock and regular sunblock?
On May 28th, 2009 Naomi said:
what kind of sunscreen is best for active toddlers and preschoolers?
On May 28th, 2009 Elizabeth said:
Great article! My husband is Latino and has dark skin. He refuses to wear sunblock and says he doesn’t need it. Is that true?
On May 28th, 2009 Lynda C said:
I guess it doesn’t matter when you schedule an appt with your dermatologist, but wouldn’t it make more sense to go after the summer season? Say in October or November? For some reason I think something serious would show up after a season in the sun. And, at what age should you start seeing a dermatologist regularly for a skin check? Is age even a factor? Thanks.
On May 28th, 2009 Susan said:
Are most sunscreens gluten free? So many people need to have
all products,hair,skin as well as food gluten free now.
On May 28th, 2009 Mary Thi said:
Hey! This might be a stupid question but I was just wondering if there was any uva/uvb rays at night. I heard the moon collects the the sun’s rays, and that’s how we get ‘moonlight’.
On May 28th, 2009 Karrie said:
I use a separate sun block for my face.
What amount should go on my face?
On May 28th, 2009 Carol said:
I like using the spray sunblock for everyday use but I wonder whether I’m putting on enough. Is there a good rule of thumb for sprays? A rec for sunblock that won’t stay white on my brown skin would also be great!
On May 28th, 2009 veedee said:
Does mexoryl really make a facial sunscreen provide the best UVA protection and prevent more brown spots?
On May 28th, 2009 Valerie Ann said:
My question is about my daughter. She’s a teen with a job and I know she’s been to a tanning salon against my advice. How dangerous are they? She’s very fair and doesn’t usually tan….but, after a trip there she was tan.
On May 28th, 2009 Annie said:
How much sun damage can you get on a cloudy day?
On May 28th, 2009 Danielle said:
I don’t have any questions (since I research sunscreen like a fiend), but what happened to all of the other contests? When will the winners be announced?
On May 28th, 2009 1955nurse said:
Anyone w/darker skin tones – ie: Latino, black, Asian etc. still burns – ever seen that ‘ashey’ look? That’s why Melanoma is rising in Minority populations!!! AND…. melanomas metastasis to other organs.
PLEASE – listen to what the experts are saying, it may save someone’s life (maybe your own or someone you love!)
1955nursehjc4me@myway.com
On May 28th, 2009 1955nurse said:
I’m a subscriber
Please WEAR sunscreen! And take a look @ the newer findings re: the newer sunscreens – they are different, and yes! There IS such a thing as SPF greater than 50!!! Also – know that in order to be effective, you muct apply @ LEAST a ’shot-glass’ full of sunscreen!
1955nursehjc4me@myway.com
On May 28th, 2009 kerry said:
how many times do i need to reapply sunscreen when my kids are at the pool?
On May 28th, 2009 Lisette said:
Hola! May I also add that you should also remember to wear chapstick with sun protection. I recall a time when I my lips got sunburned and it was not pretty
Thank you for the article, I will call to set up an follow up with my dermatologist.
On May 28th, 2009 Jane said:
I have combination to oily skin, so I can never find a sunscreen that leaves my face matte during the day. Which sunscreen do you reccomend?
On May 28th, 2009 Jody said:
With all the chemicals being used for SPF What is the best all natural sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher?
On May 28th, 2009 Christie C. said:
I know sunscreens lose SPF value, but how much is lost after how many years?? Is it still okay to use the sunscreen after it has lost some SPF value??
Thank you soo much!!!
On May 29th, 2009 Elaine Chen said:
Can you get burned through the windshield of a car?
On May 29th, 2009 1955nurse said:
EVERYONE: Check out the April issue of Allure magizine, OR ckeck out Allure’s website – they answer ALOT of questions, and give some great ‘common-sense’ advice re: the sun, sunscreen etc. Like – Did you know that Sunscreen has an expiration? That’s right – if it’s a year or more old, the SPF isn’t going to help much!
1955nursehjc4me@myway.com
On May 30th, 2009 Steph said:
Can this be applied on the lips? If so, how moisturizing is it?
Thanks.
On May 30th, 2009 Stephanie C said:
Wow! I guess I got to this party a little late – all my questions have already been asked.
So I’m just posting to get an entry in the contest!
On May 31st, 2009 Rochelle K said:
I have very fair skin and have been trying to build a base tan before going to the beach in the next week or so. I have legs that just won’t get color (unless its ONLY on the front and back – never on the sides). How is the best way to get color on the SIDES of my legs? Also, whats a good SPF to use where I have fair skin but have gotten some color and want to get more? Is 15 too low? 30? 50? Or is it just trial and error?
On May 31st, 2009 Hazel said:
This is great! Thanks for the giveaway!
On June 1st, 2009 AmandaK said:
How often should sunscreen be reapplied?
On June 4th, 2009 Leane said:
I have a mole at the top of my cleavage, and I am always told to watch it. I have always had this mole and I really don’t get regular sun or burns on it….what would cause a mole to change into a problem?? What would change about it that would need consideration? (or, what skin changes cause a need for concern?)
On June 15th, 2009 HS said:
Is there a difference between face sunblock and body sunblock?