Summer might be coming to a close as we get ready to watch the leaves turn and then fall to the ground, but it doesn’t mean you should hand in your sunscreen with your beach towel! Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest kind of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.” Therefore, in areas of the country that are particularly sunny, like Colorado, sunscreen and sun protection is a must all year round.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that in the United States, there are more than 5 million non-melanoma skin cancer cases, with 3 million being treated. The National Cancer Institute reports that, based on 2010 – 2014 cases and deaths, there were 22.3 new cases of melanoma per 100,000 men and women per year and 2.7 deaths due to melanoma per 100,000 men and women per year. Based on 2012 – 2014 date, it’s estimated that “2.2 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin at some point during their lifetime,” and in 2014, “there were an estimated 1,169,351 people living with melanoma.
Colorado’s constant sunshine might be fun, but it also means we need to be more cautious of the suns rays!
In Colorado, we need to be extra sensitive to the sun’s rays. With one of the sunniest skies in the county coupled with high elevations and our love for the outdoors, we are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer if we don’t take the proper precautions. According to a 2013 article in the Denver Post, the National Cancer Institute and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, from 2002 – 2006, Colorado’s annual rate of new melanoma diagnoses was 15 percent higher than the national average. Fast forward to today, and though our percentage of new diagnosis has slowed a bit compared to the national average, we’re still high in our rankings for cases of melanoma when compared to other states. A 2014 CDC report shows that the rate for melanoma incidences per 100,000 women in Colorado is 17.1, which is higher than the 16.9 rate for the United States as a whole. The rate for men is higher overall coming in at 26.8 per 100,000, though it is slightly lower than the national rate of 27.6.
The sun can cause premature aging in addition to skin cancer.
Not only is skin cancer a concern when it comes to excess sun exposure, but aging of the skin can also occur. Per the Skin Cancer Foundation, 90 percent of our skin aging is caused by sun exposure.
Take action to prevent skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.
At Foushee salonspa, we care about the health of our clients. We offer spa treatments, such as facials, that can help to reduce and minimize sun damage. In addition, you can lower your risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin by:
- Wearing sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or higher that states “broad spectrum” on the label to ensure you’re getting both UVA and UVB protection.
- If you are hitting the slopes make sure you have lip and eye protection too.
- Avoiding the sun during midday hours when it’s the hottest.
- Covering your legs and arms with clothing and wearing hats to protect your face.
- Avoiding indoor tanning salons.
- Wearing sunglasses with UVB and UVA protection for your eyes.
- Treating a burn with aloe and high-end skin care products. Foushee salonspa has some great skin care products to support healing of the skin.
- Using a high-quality skin care regimen, like the ones offered at Foushee salonspa, to minimize sun damage and premature aging.
Utilize these tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy your time outdoors all year round without the concern of skin cancer and premature aging constantly lurking at your back door!
At Foushee salonspa, we’re here to help you protect your skin, prevent premature aging, and support your overall health. Contact us today to set up an appointment to discuss your skin care needs.
Here are a few of Foushee Face Saving Favorite SunScreens.
