It’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Protect Yourself!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The team at Skin Bar is joining the nation to help raise awareness of the importance of protecting your skin from the sun.

One in five of us will develop skin cancer in the course of our lifetime.

Unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. At today’s rate (roughly 3.5 million new cases every year), one in five of us will develop skin cancer in the course of our lifetime.

90% of the visible changes attributed to skin aging are caused by UV exposure.

In addition to being the leading cause of skin cancer, UV damage is also the most preventable cause of what we know as aging skin – wrinkles, lost elasticity and firmness, and uneven texture.

Don’t let the clouds fool you!

Even on a cloudy day, the sun can still damage your skin. We have provided you with SIX simple rules to follow throughout the year, to help protect your skin.

 

Six Rules To Sun Protection

1) Apply SPF 30 Minutes Before Going Into The Sun

This allows the sunscreen to penetrate and form its shield. As a general rule use a golf-ball sized amount, enough to fill a shot glass (approx 1.oz) and apply to the face and body.

Tip #: Cream based SPF is better than spray. If you have a spray SPF, ensure you spray it into your hand before applying to your skin. This will help you see how much you are putting on.

2) Wear An SPF Between 30-50

Everyone knows 30 is the new 15 after all..!

Which product to use? Image’s Prevention + SPF 50. If you want a tinted SPF, Image’s Tinted SPF 30 is awesome.

Tip #: Remember using a higher rated SPF (e.g. SPF 50) does not mean you don’t have to apply it as often. You should still apply your SPF every one to two hours.

3) Wear Vitamin C Serum

To protect the skin on your face even more effectively, wear a Vitamin C Serum under your SPF.

 

4) Reapply SPF At Least Every Two Hours

More often if you’re sweating a lot or are in and out of the water.

5) Stay Out Of The Sun During Peak Hours

The sun is at it’s strongest between 10am and 4pm. Stay in the shade during this period if possible. However, if you’re going to be in the sun; ensure you are wearing protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats, sunglasses & long sleeves, whenever possible.

Ps. Your hat doesn’t have to be quite this big… we just liked the picture!

6) Don’t Monkey Around – Wear SPF Every Day Of The Year

It is the number one anti-aging product! People that use sunscreen daily show 24% less skin aging than those who don’t. Trust us, wearing that SPF every day will help maintain your youthful complexion! If you apply makeup on top of your SPF, we recommend using a powder SPF to brush on throughout the day (you can buy these from companies such as Sephora).

Read more about sun protection in our Handbook.

Read more about how to take care of your skin in all respects and get ready to look younger longer!