May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. This is significant because skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year.
Exposure to UV rays can result in photodamage and premature aging of the skin. UV radiation is also a major risk factor for developing skin cancer because it damages the DNA in skin cells which, in turn, can lead to the development of cancerous cells. The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable.
- Wear Sunscreen Daily
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is by applying sunscreen daily. Sunscreens work by absorbing or reflecting the UV rays before they can penetrate the skin. They reduce your risk of developing photodamage and skin cancer and are available in different formulations, including lotions, sprays, and gels, and in a range of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) values. SPF measures the amount of protection that a sunscreen offers against UVB rays, the rays that cause sunburn and skin cancer. Always wear sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 30.
Revercel offers many sunscreen options for you to consider. AM Daily Moisturizer SPF 45+ is an oil-free, extremely moisturizing sunscreen and anti-aging complex formulated with hyaluronic and lactic acids and vitamins E and B5. It provides broad-spectrum protection while helping the skin appear younger and smoother.
Triple Duty Plus Sunscreen SPF 35+ is a customer-favorite! This 100% all-physical, mineral-based sunscreen provides the face with optimal protection from the sun’s harmful rays. A sheer tint provides an even glow and vitamins C and E add antioxidant protection.
Sheer Physical Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a 100% all-physical, all-body sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for maximum UVA/UVB protection. It also contains hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize and plump the skin.
- Wear Sun Protective Clothing
Another way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun is by wearing clothing specifically designed with fabric rated for its level of UV protection. This is accomplished with a special weave structure and thread count. Some sun protective clothing is also pre-treated with UV-inhibiting ingredients.
- Seek The Shade
We recommend that you seek shade and avoid outdoor activities during peak hours when the sun is strongest (10 am to 3 pm).
- Use Topical Vitamin C
While prevention is always the best approach, sun damage may occur despite your best efforts. This is where vitamin C comes in, a powerful antioxidant that helps improve the texture and appearance of sun-damaged skin by neutralizing free radicals. Vitamin C is also important for collagen synthesis and for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Remember, vitamin C can help improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin but is not a replacement for sunscreen! Sunscreen is always the first line of defense against UV radiation.
Vitamin C serum contains a concentrated amount of vitamin C; it’s typically applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten dull skin, even out skin tone and improve the skin’s overall health and resilience. Revercel’s CE Serum is formulated with a synergistic combination of vitamins C & E and ferulic acid to help protect the skin from environmental damage and improve the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Using sunscreen daily, wearing sun protective clothing, avoiding the sun during peak hours, and consistently applying vitamin C are easy and effective ways to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.