Get the skinny on sunscreen and protect yourself from melanoma

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the sun this summer, consider having sunscreen in your pocket or bag at all times. Shielding your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can prevent sagging, wrinkles and damage, not to mention save your life by reducing your risk for deadly diseases such as melanoma and developing skin cancer.

There are many different brands of sunscreen on the market and choosing one that’s right for you can help you enjoy your time outdoors even more. All products have a sun protection factor (SPF) that is a measure of how well it can block out harmful rays, according to the Melanoma Foundation.

However, you should be aware that sun protection does not necessarily increase with a higher SPF number. For example, if you had to choose between an expensive SPF 34 sunscreen and a cheaper SPF 15 product, you would probably be better off going with the latter.

An SPF 15 sunscreen – which is recommended by dermatologists for year-round protection for most people – absorbs about 93 percent of UV rays, only four percent less than one with SPF 34.

“All sunscreens need to be reapplied, so follow the guidelines written on the bottle,” the Melanoma Foundation advised. “Remember, expensive sunscreens are not necessarily of better quality.”

Using these products, wearing long-sleeved clothing and limiting your time in the sun can substantially decrease your risk of developing melanoma. This type of skin cancer, in which pigment cells in the skin grow uncontrollably, affects an estimated 1 in 34 people in the U.S. According to dermatologists, more than 73 percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.

A recent study published in the journal Neurology has found that people who have Parkinson’s disease might have a higher risk of developing this type of skin cancer.

Researchers from the National Institute of Enironmental Health Sciences reported that men with the neurodegenerative illness are twice as likely to have melanoma than men who don’t. A similar observation was made among women, though to a lesser extent.

“One possible explanation for the link between Parkinson’s and melanoma is that the two diseases may share some genetic or environmental risk factors,” said lead investigator Honglei Chen.

In the meantime, while more research is being conducted on this subject, Americans should do what they can to protect themselves from skin cancer. Talking to a skincare professional can help them learn more about sunscreen and how to choose the best product to fit their needs.

At Reflections Center for Cosmetic Medicine in Martinsville and Livingston, NJ, we offer sunscreen to protect you from the sun and treatment options for Melanoma.

Understanding Melanoma Skin Cancer

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from skin cells called melanocytes. Melanoma occurs primarily as a result of DNA damage from UV radiation exposure, leading to changes in melanocytes and uncontrolled cell growth. These cells are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, and legs. Understanding melanoma is crucial for early detection and treatment, which can significantly improve survival rates.

Melanoma can develop from existing moles or appear as new growths. It’s essential to be aware of the warning signs of melanoma, such as changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole, or the appearance of a new mole. The American Academy of Dermatology’s “ABCDE” rule is a helpful guide for identifying potential melanomas:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
• Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

By keeping an eye on these signs, you can catch potential melanomas early and seek treatment promptly.

What is Melanoma Skin Cancer?

Melanoma skin cancer is a serious form of skin cancer that originates in the skin cells called melanocytes. These cells are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color. Although melanoma accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancers, it is the most dangerous type, causing the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. This is because melanoma grows quickly and has the ability to spread to any organ in the body. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, making it essential to be vigilant about changes in your skin.

Melanoma Warning Signs

Melanoma can manifest in various forms, such as moles, scaly patches, open sores, or raised bumps. The American Academy of Dermatology’s “ABCDE” memory device is a helpful tool for identifying potential melanomas:

• A: Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• B: Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
• C: Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• D: Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
• E: Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Additionally, the “ugly duckling” sign can help identify melanomas that don’t fit the ABCDE rule. If a mole looks different from the others, it’s the “ugly duckling” and should be seen by a dermatologist.

Causes and Risk Factors to Develop Melanoma

Melanoma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Both men and women have different areas where they are more prone to develop melanoma, such as the trunk for men and legs for women. One of the most significant risk factors for developing melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. People with fair skin, light hair, and light eyes are more susceptible to melanoma due to their lower levels of melanin, which provides some protection against UV radiation.

A family history of melanoma, a weakened immune system, and certain genetic mutations also increase the risk of developing melanoma. Other risk factors include:

• Having many moles or atypical moles
• A history of sunburns or excessive sun exposure
• Using tanning beds or lamps
• A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
• A weakened immune system due to disease or medication

Understanding these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to protect your skin and reduce your chances of developing melanoma.

Prevention and Protection

Preventing melanoma involves protecting your skin from UV radiation and being vigilant about the warning signs of melanoma. Here are some effective ways to prevent melanoma:

• Use sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Shop for sunscreen at Reflections on our Brilliant Connections shop site. We offer Total Defense and Repair SPF 34 and a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Tinted.
• Wear protective clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your skin from the sun.
• Seek shade: Try to stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10am and 4pm.
• Avoid tanning beds and lamps: These can significantly increase your risk of developing melanoma.
• Conduct regular skin self-exams: Check your skin monthly for any changes or new growths.
• Get professional skin exams: Schedule annual check-ups with a dermatologist to catch any potential issues early.

By incorporating these habits into your routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing melanoma.

Melanoma Diagnosis and Melanoma Treatment

Diagnosing melanoma typically involves a biopsy, where a sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. If melanoma is diagnosed, the treatment options will depend on the stage and severity of the disease.

Treatment options for melanoma include:

• Surgical excision: Removing the melanoma and some surrounding tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated.
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Removing the first lymph node to which cancer cells are likely to spread to check for the presence of melanoma cells.
• Immunotherapy: Using medications to stimulate the immune system to attack specific cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: Using medications designed to target specific cancer cells based on their genetic mutations.
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Using medications to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be necessary. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates and preventing the spread of melanoma. If you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

Melanoma Stages

Melanoma is staged based on the thickness of the tumor, the presence of ulceration, and the involvement of lymph nodes. The stages of melanoma are:

• Stage 0: Melanoma in situ, where the cancer is confined to the epidermis (the top layer of skin).
• Stage I: Thin melanoma, where the cancer is less than 1 mm thick.
• Stage II: Intermediate-thickness melanoma, where the cancer is between 1-4 mm thick.
• Stage III: Thick melanoma, where the cancer is more than 4 mm thick or has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Advanced melanoma, where the cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Understanding these stages can help in recognizing the severity of the condition and the urgency of seeking treatment.

Types of Melanoma

There are several types of melanoma, each with unique characteristics:

• Cutaneous melanoma: The most common type, occurring on the skin.
• Mucosal melanoma: A rare type that occurs on the mucous membranes, such as the mouth, nose, or genital area.
• Uveal melanoma: A rare type that occurs in the eye.
• Superficial spreading melanoma: A type that grows slowly and is often found on the arms, legs, or back.
• Nodular melanoma: A type that grows quickly and is often found on the trunk, arms, or legs.

Recognizing the different types of melanoma can aid in early detection and appropriate treatment.

Advanced Melanoma

Advanced melanoma is a type of melanoma that has spread to distant lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Treatment options for advanced melanoma include:

• Immunotherapy: This treatment uses the body’s immune system to attack specific cancer cells.
• Targeted therapy: This approach targets specific genes or proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation therapy: This method uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates for melanoma patients. If you have any concerns about melanoma or skin cancer, consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional promptly.

Next Steps with Reflections in Livingston and Martinsville, NJ

Reflections offers various lasers to help reverse damage from sun in Livingston and Martinsville, NJ. Sun damage is responsible for 80% of visible aging, but with laser skin resurfacing, microneedling, and rejuvenation technologies, this damage can be reversed. Reflections Center is known for the region’s largest array of lasers, radiofrequency, microneedling, and more. We know that each person is different and there is no one treatment that is perfect for everyone. Schedule a consultation with our team at Reflections in Livingston and Martinsville to get started with your melanoma or sun damage treatment today.