May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are unpleasant but highly curable. The 3rd most common is melanoma, which kills one person every hour. It is the second most common cancer for women aged 25-29.

90% of cases of melanoma are caused by exposure to UV light or sunlight.

There is no "safe tan." Tanning is a process performed on an animal to produce leather.

As few as four visits per year to a tanning salon can quadruple your chances of getting melanoma. People who use tanning beds once a month before the age of 35 increase their risk by 75%.

Any tan is a sign of damage to the skin. While a common myth is that tanning beds are safer than the sun, the truth is that tanning beds can expose an individual to four times the amount of UVA and two times the amount of UVB as a similar period of sun exposure. Furthermore, the International Agency for Research on Cancer equated tanning beds to cigarettes, mustard gas, and arsenic. It also added them to its highest-risk category, meaning they are unequivocally carcinogenic to humans.

Spray Tanning is an inexpensive alternative to tanning in beds, booth, or in natural sunlight. Bella Via's spray tanning system produces a healthy, natural glow in minutes.

UVA rays penetrate through clouds and windows, and are reflected off concrete, asphalt, snow, and grass. The dangerous rays of the sun are present year-round from sun up to sun down.

Most skin cancers can be prevented by protecting yourself from UV radiation. Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen!

Many people do not apply their sunscreen correctly. Here are some tips:
1. Make sure your sunscreen covers the full spectrum of UV rays.
2. Apply enough sunscreen; it should take about five minutes to soak into your skin. One to two teaspoons for your face and at least one tablespoon for each arm and each leg is a good rule of thumb.
3. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going into the sun.
4. Don't forget these often overlooked spots: ears, lips, hands, upper lip, temples, between your eyes, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet.

Still not convinced? Read Glenna's story at the link below.

A Death by Suntan at Age 26

Receive 20% off Elta Sun Care products and 30% off all other sunscreens this month!

While supplies last; not valid on previous purchases.