5 Things You Do That Will Give You Skin Cancer

Summer is approaching, but are you ready for it?With more sun exposure, comes the possibility of sun damage & skin cancer—but, how do we prevent them?To celebrate Melanoma Monday, we discuss the things you do that can lead to skin cancer and how to reduce its risk! Did you know that about 9,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer daily? Women before the age of 50 are more prone to skin cancer and men are more vulnerable to skin cancer after the age of 50.What is Melanoma? Melanoma is considered the deadliest form of skin cancer due to its rapid spread to other organs within the body. Melanoma develops when melanocytes become out of control. Melanocytes are skin cells that produce the protective skin-darkening pigment, melanin. Your chances of developing melanoma are higher when you are excessively exposed to UV radiation from the sun. Melanoma first appears on the chest or the back for males and on the legs for females. However, this skin cancer is highly treatable if it is detected early in the stage.How to Notice Signs of Melanoma?

• The unusual appearance of moles, sores, lumps, and blemishes. If you notice a spot on your skin that looks different in size, color, and shape from your other spots, it could be a sign of melanoma and it needs to be checked out by a doctor. 
• Finding a sore that does not heal.
• When you notice a pigment spreading from the border of a spot into the surrounding skin. 
• When your moles are scaling, oozing, and bleeding.

Things You Do That Can Give You Skin Cancer

1. Excessive sun exposure.
   • Did you know 90% of your skin aging comes from sun exposure? Skin cancer can occur when you are in the sun for too long, especially without any protection. Understandably, the sun is essential for getting in Vitamin D, but staying in the shade is just as important. You’ll still get your daily dose of the sun even by being outdoors and in the shade. I recommend covering your face with sunglasses and a hat or wearing clothes that cover most of your body!
2. Utilization of tanning beds. 
   • Tanning beds can expose you to ultraviolet radiation, causing your cells to be damaged in the outer layer of your skin. Did you know that tanning beds can increase your chances of getting melanoma by 75% before age 35 with just one tanning session?
3. People with fair and light skin colors are more prone to developing skin cancer. 
   • This is because they have less melanin, a protective pigment. This does not mean that people with a darker skin tone are not at risk. 
4. Not using sunscreen to protect your skin.
   • This is something that I highly encourage everyone to do when they plan to be out in the sun, whether it’s for a few hours or the entire day, the sun will get to you. There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. I prefer using mineral sunscreens because they are much safer and healthier for the skin. Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that can block UV radiation. Chemical sunscreens only filter out the sun’s damaging UV rays, so you’ll still be absorbing the UV radiation into your skin. I recommend using my KD Mineral Glow Sun Defense and my KD Aqua Shield Moisturizer! The Mineral Glow Sun Defense is a 100% physical sunscreen, water-resistant, and has a sheer tint that’s perfect for wearing under your makeup. The Aqua Shield protects your skin from aging and free radicals. To learn more about the difference between chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreens, listen to my podcast here. 
5. Arsenic exposure can lead to skin cancer. 
   • Arsenic can appear in foods such as seafood, rice, rice cereal, mushrooms, and poultry.