As your local medical aesthetic provider, my job is helping you maintain a radiant, youthful complexion at every age and stage of life. That’s why I’m writing a blog about Skin Cancer Awareness Month, because protecting your skin from the sun is the most important thing you can do for the health and appearance of your skin.
Experts estimate that 90% of the aging you see on your skin — lines, wrinkles, freckles, age spots, sun spots — is caused by the sun. What’s more, people who use sunscreen daily (with an SPF 15 or higher) show 24% less skin aging than those who do not use sunscreen daily. If those statistics don’t motivate you to wear sunscreen, we don’t know what will!
Here are a few more facts about sun damage and protecting your skin’s health.
● Sun damage is cumulative.
Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Only about 23% of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18. By age 40, you’ve accumulated only half of your lifetime sun exposure. This means wearing sunscreen is vital at every age. It’s never too late to protect your skin from the sun!
● Sun damage is reversible!
One of the many benefits of modern living is the advanced skin rejuvenation technology we have at our disposal. Here at Belle Marin, I’ve invested in the best skin treatments on the market, including Halo™ fractional laser skin resurfacing, BBL™ photofacials and Vivace™ Microneedle RF. Results are everything, and these treatments can literally remove sun-damaged skin and trigger the growth of healthy new collagen and elastin, revealing younger-looking, more vibrant skin.
● Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
● When detected and treated in its early stages, skin cancer has a high survival rate.
When detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%.
● Know the warning signs of skin cancer so you can protect yourself!
Remember the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetry (one half of the mole doesn’t match the other)
Border irregularity
Color that is not uniform
Diameter greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving size, shape or color
I can’t wait to help you reverse sun damage and reclaim your best-looking complexion this spring. To learn more about our skin treatments and medical-grade skin care products, including SPF, please call 415.887.8718 or request a personal consultation online today. You can purchase Alastin® sunscreen at our online shop!
