Learn your ABCDs

With the summer months upon us we are all subject to the danger of the sun. Living in Southern California, I know all too well the importance of protecting myself from skin cancer and melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) . We are exposed more often than we think to the damage that UVA and UVB rays can cause. Maybe you're one of those people who thinks that skin cancer or melanoma will never happen to you (maybe you're right), but wrinkles and skin damage due to the sun WILL happen. You'll be crinkled up and ugly before you know it. Especially on those parts we don't think about like our decollete (the delicate skin on our chest) and hands.

We rarely think about the ways in which we are constantly exposed to the sun. How many of you even consider wearing sunscreen on your hands? You can always tell the true age of a woman by her hands. Our hands are exposed to the sun everyday, especially while we're sitting in traffic. It's never okay to skip your SPF. Even going for a brisk walk when it isn't hot out yet or it's over cast isn't reason to skip your SPF. While your exposed to the sun for longer amounts of time, you should double up on protection with a BIG hat and SPF.

Speaking of SPF, how many of us are actually using the correct sunscreen that is indeed protecting us from those dangerous rays? I'll wait here while you grab your SPF, assuming you have some in your house....doo dah, doo dah. Did you get it yet? I'll keep waiting...doo, dah, doo, dah. Don't worry, I've got all day to help save lives and wrinkles.

Your SPF must contain one of these three ingredients in order to protect you from the harmful affects of UVA rays, the rays responsible for causing Melanoma,the ingredients are: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and Parsol (avobenzone). If one of these three ingredients are not in your SPF, then you are not protected. I'll wait while you throw it out now. A great mass market brand that you can find at your local drug store is, Neutragena Chemical Free Sunblocker. For my face, I love Clinique City Block with a bronzed tint to it; that's what I use on hikes, walks, and all day activities, such as the zoo.

Now that we've discussed what to use, let me tell you a little more about the dangers of the sun.

Each year there are nearly a million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed. In the 1950's and 1960's melanoma was rare, but today we are seeing a rise in this deadly disease. Women between the ages of 25-35, who are blonds or redheads, with fair skin tones are more at risk for melanoma. (Berg; The New Beauty Basics; 101)

While I spat about statistics to you from a book, I should also tell you that I have a dear friend who had to have over 100 stitches across her entire face in order to remove a VERY small piece of melanoma. Because this piece had gone undetected and was close to her eye, they had to carefully remove this without losing her eye. Once she recovered from that surgery, she had to go in for plastic surgery, as she had been left with a large scar across the middle of her beautiful face. While plastic surgery could remove her external scars, the emotional scars she is left with will remain with her forever.

As I mentioned, this lovely friend had waited far too long to have this "sore" on her face looked at. Had she been checked sooner, it could have been a much easier procedure. The melanoma on her face looked much like a small scab that wouldn't heal. She had it for months. This is why it is important for YOU to learn about the ABCDs of melanoma.

(A) Asymmetry: Melanomas are asymmetrical and odd-shaped. One half is often marked different than the other half. Normal moles are mostly round.

(B) Border: Normal moles have smooth edges. Melanomas are jagged, irregular, or scalloped shaped.

(C) Color: Normal moles are brown. Black, blue, pink, or multi-colored are signs of abnormality.

(D) Diameter: Get a mole checked if it larger than a quarter of an inch.

If you have any other abnormal growth or sores that won't heal, it is best to be checked by a dermatologist. Please don't freak about this article! The majority of you reading this are fine, but be aware of your body and its changes. If you are one of the few that I mentioned who are more likely to be a candidate for melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) then get a full body check by your dermatologist once a year.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's review of the best and most affordable tanning sprays. Just because I don't want you to get skin cancer, doesn't mean I don't want you to still look HOT!!!

Ciao

xoxo...