As the dangers of sun exposure are better known, the use of sunscreen when outdoors has become well accepted. But sun safety does not stop there. To reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, think Prevent, Protect, and Detect.
1. Prevent.
There is no substitute for prevention and it starts simply: avoid the sun and tanning beds. There is no such thing as a healthy tan (try Tarte-à-Tan instead, as seen on Kristen on our cover, which has antioxidants, virgin coconut oil and other benefits, too). Get your vitamin D through supplements. If sun exposure is necessary, limit it to around fifteen minutes or ask your doctor for guidance. UVA penetrates most glass and causes melasma, other health problems and skin cancer so slather on sunscreen year round, outdoors and indoors. We say “slather” on purpose — you need a lot more than you might think to get the tested protection values. Reapply every hour or two, and after sweating or swimming. Choose high values to manage the risk of a less than perfect application.
2. Protect.
Armada Sun + Light Screens boast some of the highest protection factors against more types of skin-harming light than any other sunscreen, and are still the only protection products made for both indoor and outdoor use. They have been tested both in vitro (in the lab) and in vivo (volunteers, never on animals) since the early 1990s using protocols that are still considered some of the most rigorous. This is why several of our clinical studies have been published, presented and even awarded in dermatology journals and conventions. They are also light, comfortable and skin-friendly, with anti-acne, antioxidant and moisturizing benefits, to help you be better about daily and frequent use.
3. Detect.
Prevention’s top priority is non-occurrence — we do no want skin cancer to happen at all. But prevention also means early detection. If melanoma is discovered when it is still confined to the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, success rates are significantly better.When detected early—melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) is virtually 100% curable.What are some of the best ways to detect possible skin cancers early? Self exams, mole mapping, annual skin cancer screenings and vigilance.What else can help? Information. Search skintelligencenter.com for more on sun safety, as well as AAD.org and SkinCancer.org.
