In the United States, the most common form of cancer is skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. These statistics alone should scare you into protecting your skin this summer and all year long! Here at Honet Dermatology and Cosmetic, we think it’s important for everyone to stay informed and educated about your skin health!
Let us give you the basic run down on skin cancer. There are three most common forms of skin cancer. These forms of cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, it can occur on any part of the body. This type of skin cancer commonly develops on parts of the body that are over exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is also frequently found in sun-exposed areas. For women, SCC can commonly appear on the lower legs. Melanoma is one of the more serious forms of skin cancer. When found and removed in its earliest stages, melanoma is usually curable. However, when left undetected and not removed early, melanoma can spread locally, may metastasize, and may lead to death. Along with sun protection, full skin exams with your dermatologist on a regular basis will allow for prevention and early detection.
We cannot stress enough that skin cancer is serious! Skin cancer is on the rise due to an increased popularity in and use of tanning booths among young adults, especially young women, over the past several years. Just a few years ago, tanning salons began popping up everywhere across the country, where teens and adults alike unknowingly harmed their skin trying to achieve a tan’s “healthy glow.” According to the AAD, indoor tanning beds increase an individual’s risk of melanoma by nearly 60%. It is believed that nearly 2.3 million teens tan yearly. It is crucial to your skin health to stay away from tanning booths because not only does tanning increase your risk of melanoma drastically, but it also causes skin to age rapidly, resulting in leathery texture, premature age spots, and wrinkles. A recent study released by the Skin Cancer Foundation has found that the number of skin cancer cases due to tanning is higher than the number of lung cancer cases due to smoking. In fact, the World Health Organization found that the risk increased by 75 percent when use of tanning beds occurred before 30 years of age. It has deemed tanning beds a carcinogen to humans, just like tobacco, and the FDA is takings steps on placing restrictions on indoor tanning.
Especially in the warmer months, we know that everyone loves to look bronzed and appear as if they have been out in the sun, but there are so many options on the market that can give you that look without actually going tanning. Spray tanning is one of our personal favorite alternatives to sun exposure or tanning salons. Spray tanning is a healthy option for your skin and will provide you with an amazing bronzed glow. In order to keep your spray tan looking good, it requires some upkeep. The essential steps to spray tanning are exfoliation and moisturization. Before you get sprayed, it’s important to make sure you exfoliate your skin, which removes any dead skin cells and ensures your skin is prepped for an even spray tan. For the days after your spray tan, as you shower, moisturizer is key. Moisturizer and hydration are what will make your glow last and minimize unevenness.
My (Senada’s) all-time favorite place to get a spray tan is SprayChic in Farmington Hills. SprayChic Airbrush Tanning is a hidden gem, where they specialize in custom spray tanning using organic DHA applied by airbrush tanning experts. The shade is always a custom blend that is precise, natural looking and will never leave you looking too orange, streaky or blotchy. I have been going to SprayChic for years and I have always been very satisfied. The process is quick and easy, and the wonderful staff make each spray a pleasant experience. If it’s your first time spray tanning, or if you haven’t been sprayed in a while, they will thoroughly explain all their recommendations to make sure that you receive a beautiful tan. As important, SprayChic is clean and sanitary. At SprayChic they provide you with various disposable items so you never have to wonder about how clean it is. They sanitize their sprayers properly and hygienically. SprayChic is ideal, in that they transform airbrush tanning into a positive, worry-free experience. I highly recommend SprayChic*. You can visit their website at www.spraychic.com to learn more about the business. Tell them Senada of Honet Dermatology sent you!
Aside from getting airbrushed, there are numerous self-tanners on the market if you choose to be a do-it-yourselfer. At Honet Dermatology and Cosmetic, we sell SouthSeas® products, which have gotten rave reviews nationally and from all the staff. We have the fantastic Island Glow Body Bronzer, which is a wonderful, transfer-resistant, quick drying, DHA-free instant body bronzer. It has a great rich color that looks awesome on any skin tone, giving skin a shimmery glow. It’s applied very easily– just squeeze it onto your palm and rub it in! A little really goes a long way. It was introduced primarily for the contestants on Dancing With The Stars, so you know it works great under pressure and heat. Alongside the SouthSeas® body bronzer, we carry the SouthSeas® Morrea Moisturizer, a 100% natural shea butter moisturizer that provides 24-hour hydration without being greasy! And the SouthSeas® Bikini Island Body Wash is also one of our favorites; it has green tea, sea kelp and essential oils to keep your skin hydrated during your sessions with self-tanners and bronzers. We also carry the St. Tropez® self-tanning products, which smell amazing and provide an even, natural tan that is buildable. We carry the St. Tropez® Instant Tan formula in two colors for a quick, easy tan.
While self-tanners and spray tanning will give you the golden glow, they don’t protect your skin from the sun. Since sun protection is so important, don’t forget to make sure you apply your sunscreen before you head out this summer. Protecting your face and body is essential to maintaining good health for your skin. One of our favorite sunscreens which we carry in the office is the Avene® Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50, available in a smaller face size and a larger size for face and body. Another one of our all-time favorites available at any drugstore is the Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen. It is important to use an SPF of at least 45 and make sure you remember to reapply frequently, every 1-2 hours, especially if you get wet from swimming or sweating.
Although sunscreen is the most important part of your skin’s protection from the sun, there are new, innovative clothing lines on the market that can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Not only are they stylish, but they also have protective UPF imbedded in the fabric. Fantastic companies like Coolibar and Mott50 provide you with stylish protection and numerous designs to meet every taste for women, men, children and infants. With these kinds of easy and fashionable options, it is so easy to apply your sunscreen and throw on a hat or shirt to prevent skin cancer and premature aging.
Let us at HDC help you to be smart in the sun this summer, so that your fun in the sun can stay fun without the damage and burn!
–Senada with Dr. H
(* The views and opinions regarding SprayChic Airbrush Tanning are Senada’s personal opinions and do not represent those of Honet Dermatology/Cosmetic. Honet Dermatology/Cosmetic cannot be held responsible for any possible damages caused by SprayChic Airbrush Tanning and thereof, however caused, to any readers of this post.)
