Melanoma Is A Lot More Prevalent Than You May Realize

It’s one thing to get cosmetic facial procedures to look and feel your very best, but it’s so important to not lose sight of the fact that you need to protect your skin as well.

Did you know about these estimated statistics from the Canadian Cancer Society for 2020?

  • 8000 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer (4400 men & 3600 women)
  • 1300 Canadians will die from melanoma skin cancer (870 men & 450 women)

Pretty alarming, right?

When skin cancer is detected early, followed by treatment, the chances of survival are much higher. This is why you really need to keep on top of your health.

Check your skin on a regular basis for any changes. The more often you check, the easier you will notice that something is different. This means examining every square inch of your body in a well-lit bathroom. Use a handheld mirror so you can check your back or ask someone to help you.

Things to look for:

  • Moles that have changed shape, size, or color
  • Sores that don’t seem to be healing
  • A growth that is irritated or itchy
  • Red patches (may be rough and/or scaly)
  • Raised bumps or lumps that have an indentation
  • Smooth, shiny bumps or lumps that are pink, red, or pearly white
  • Areas that look like scars that appear yellow or pale white

What do you do if you notice something?

Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. It’s always better to have things checked than assume it’s no big deal. It could literally save your life!

Your doctor will look you over and possibly refer you to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They may also order a biopsy to rule out cancer.

What else can you do to be proactive?

  • Stay out of the sun as much as possible in peak hours, when the sun is most intense.
  • Avoid tanning. Sure, it can boost your confidence to have a nice tan, but it’s way safer and healthier to use a tanning cream or get a spray tan for the desired effect. Please note that tanning beds are the most dangerous culprits, increasing your chances by 75%.
  • Always wear sunscreen (even on cloudy days and in the winter) with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it often. If you are in the Surrey, BC area come see us for high quality skincare products.
  • Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves, sunglasses, and hats.

People often think that melanoma is the type of thing that happens to other people. Remember, that no one is immune to this. It’s ALWAYS a million times better to be safe, than sorry.

Looking for a consultation for cosmetic facial procedures or dental implants in Surrey? Please check out our services and call us to book: 604-507-0514.

What You Need to Know About Sunscreen

Are you the type of person who is always making sure they have plenty of sunscreen on before they brave the outdoors – or – the type who thinks it doesn’t really matter, forgets to put it on, or only makes a point of using it when going to the beach?  If you are the latter, you are not alone.  There is a large part of the population who just kind of brushes it under the rug or only uses it occasionally.

The biggest motivation to wear sunscreen should be to help prevent skin cancer, especially since skin cancer has been on the rise.  If skin cancer prevention isn’t a good enough reason to use sunscreen (although it clearly should be) and you need some additional reasons, here you go:

  1. It is a scientific fact that the ozone layer is depleting which puts your body even more at risk for harmful UV rays.
  2. It helps to protect skin from premature aging and wrinkles. Who wants to look older if they don’t have to?
  3. It helps prevent skin discoloration and brown spots.
  4. It helps reduce blotchiness and the appearance of red facial veins.

Crucial Things to Know About Sunscreen:

  • Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. When applied correctly, sunscreen with SPF 30 or more will block out 96% of UVB rays.  You won’t be able to block out 100%, regardless of what type you buy, but you are doing great if you are at 96%.
  • If time permits, you should be applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outdoors. This will allow the ingredients to bind to your skin. Put it on regardless though…even if you don’t have that much time before leaving the house.
  • You have to reapply sunscreen it throughout the day – ideally every 2 hours. You will not be protected all day if you only apply it in the morning.
  • Sweating, swimming, and humidity can decrease the effectiveness of sunscreen. Re-apply more often than usual.
  • Just because you haven’t burnt your skin to the shade of a lobster, it doesn’t mean it isn’t damaged. Just getting a regular tan is also wreaking havoc on your skin over time.
  • Ensure the sunscreen you are using has not expired, as it will no longer work because the active ingredients will deteriorate.
  • You don’t just need to use sunscreen when it is sunny – you need to use it year-round in all types of weather. It should become part of your daily routine. Even if it is foggy out, the UV rays are still affecting you.
  • Don’t rely on makeup that has sunscreen in it. It is better than using nothing, but it will not be as effective as sunscreen that is applied as a product on it’s own.
  • Instead of focusing on the sun to get your required amount of Vitamin D, ensure your diet includes things like fish, eggs, dairy, liver, eggs.
  • Check with your doctor to see if any of your medications will make you more sensitive to the sun, as there are some that have the potential to make your skin burn more easily and/or become irritated.

The bottom line is: protect your youth and your health – use sunscreen. No excuses!  Your future-self (and any facial cosmetic procedures you have had) will thank you for it.

For questions about cosmetic facial procedures in Surrey, give us a call at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery today!