In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’re taking the time to emphasize the importance of protecting ourselves from the sun and spreading awareness on how to detect early signs of skin cancer.
This is also a very personal topic for our owner and Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, Aubry, as she was diagnosed with melanoma a few years ago. “I noticed a spot that was progressively getting bigger that I started to get nervous about.” She shared. “At my annual skin check with my dermatologist, was when it was confirmed to be skin cancer and I had it removed that day. This is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about educating our clients on skin protection and what to look out for.”
“During your time with us in our treatment rooms, we’re examining your skin for specific concerns you may be having. In addition to that, if we notice something abnormal, we will always refer you to a dermatologist. We highly encourage annual skin checks with your dermatologist as they can be life saving, experiencing this firsthand myself.” Aubry adds.
What Your Skin Might Be Trying to Tell You: ABCDEs of Melanoma
In addition to your annual skin check, you can also routinely check your skin at home too. Here’s an acronym that you can remember so that you can do to check:
- Asymmetry: when one side of the mole doesn’t mirror the other.
- Border irregularity: edges may appear blurred, jagged, or uneven instead of smooth and defined.
- Color variation: when you see multiple shades within a single spot like browns, blacks, reds, or even hints of blue.
- Diameter: anything larger than about six millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser) deserves a closer look.
- Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, or even sensation like itching or tenderness.
If something stands out to you or it feels or looks different or catches your attention, it’s absolutely worth getting checked. Trust your instinct! It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. The next time you’re doing your skincare, we encourage you to pause and take that time to do a quick assessment on yourself.
What is SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it tells you how well a sunscreen can protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. UVB rays cause sunburn and increase your risk of cancer while UVA rays penetrate deeper and are the biggest culprits behind premature aging and long term skin damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both, which is why it’s a non-negotiable in any skincare routine.
Did you know? Up to 90% of visible aging is caused by sun exposure! Skin cancer remains one of the most common and preventable cancers. One of the ways we can minimize this risk is with applying your SPF daily, rain or shine.
Why Does SPF Matter?
SPF is non-negotiable as it helps protect your collagen, prevents sun damage, preserves the investment you’re making in your in-office treatments, and most importantly, reduces your risk of skin cancer.
While skin cancer can affect anyone, there are certain factors that can increase your risk. If you have lighter skin that burns easily, blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair, a history of sunburns or tanning, or a family history of skin cancer, it’s even more important to stay consistent with your protection.
The most visible signs of aging we treat every day at Thistle Medical Aesthetics are shown up as fine lines, uneven pigment, loss of elasticity and often have the same underlying cause: cumulative sun exposure. As aesthetic professionals, we often explain to our clients that sun damage is like a compounded interest. Sun damage builds gradually and subtly, until one day you start to notice the change in your skin’s texture, tone, and resilience.
While we can achieve incredible results with advanced treatments to help target pigment and correct sun damage like CO2 lasers and IPL photofacials, the most powerful form of prevention is often the simplest… wearing your daily SPF! The purpose of using sunscreen daily is to preserve the integrity of your skin. We always use the analogy that you can’t expect pearly whites and healthy gums by only visiting your dentist once or twice a year. If you don’t brush your teeth and take care of your oral hygiene daily, you’re doing yourself a disservice. It’s the same concept but for your face!
We all love a sun kissed look, but sunless tanner or a spray tan is the safer way to glow. We love NudeFX in Fredericksburg, Virginia for all of our bronze goddess needs!
The Benefits of Daily SPF Use
Even on the cloudiest of days, harmful UV rays can still reach your skin. Being consistent with your SPF is one of the best things you can do for your skin long term and here’s why:
- Prevents premature aging: Wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots don’t just happen overnight but rather the result of repeated, unprotected sun exposure. SPF acts like your daily shield, preserving that youthful glow and keeping collagen breakdown at bay.
- Protects against skin cancer: From basal cell carcinoma to melanoma (the deadliest type), SPF reduces your risk significantly. It’s the single most proactive step you can take for your long term skin health.
- Preserves elasticity and glow: Sun exposure dehydrates the skin and weakens its structure over time. Sunscreen helps maintain elasticity, bounce, and even provides a natural luminosity.
- Maintains even skin tone: Hyperpigmentation and dark spots are often a result from repeated sun exposure. SPF helps prevent discoloration and supports your skincare investment for the long haul.
Preserving Your Skin Health and Preventing Future Damage
Although we experience all four seasons here in Stafford, Virginia, sun exposure is always a constant, even on cloudy days or during quick errands in and out of the car. UV rays don’t take breaks and neither should your skin protection!
At Thistle Medical Aesthetics, our goal is to educate you so that you have the tools and resources to care for your skin outside of our treatment room. With that being said, if one of our aesthetic providers notices something outside of normal for your skin, we will guide you toward the appropriate next step such as being referred to a specialist.
When it comes to protection and prevention, finding the right SPF that fits your skin type, your lifestyle, and one you’ll actually use every day. Shop our full range of sunscreens here. Need help finding your perfect SPF? Schedule a consultation and we’ll help find your perfect sunscreen match at your next visit.
