For The Sun Gods And Goddesses

Tanning beds goers, chronic sun burners, bronzing oil appliers… believe us when we say that there are other ways to get the “sun kissed” look.

Whether it’s opting for a self-tanner that contains healthy ingredients for the skin or taking other measures to protect yourself when in the sun, we share our tips for sun safety below so you can be as prepared for summer as possible. Or really any season here in sunny Denver, Colorado. We see and treat the damaging effects of the sun on our patient’s skin EVERY DAY. It often appears as poor texture, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and hyperpigmentation.

Why do we care about sun safety so much? Well, if you’ve got skin, which you do, then we care – because we’re a Denver Medical Spa that makes it our job to help you get and maintain healthy skin. But there’s also another reason. Did you know our founder, Pamela Hill-Grossman RN, CANS, is a melanoma survivor? A three-time melanoma survivor, actually. We are so grateful that she has been able to successfully complete each surgery and clear adequate margins to say she is cancer free, but her journey, and the journey of so many, have taught us something about skin cancer: It doesn’t discriminate by age, race or gender.

While people with fairer skin are at greater risk, the way we treat our skin, starting in our younger, formative years is so important to decrease our risk of melanoma. At any age, sunscreen is key – actually, all of these prevention tips are key.

Take a look…

Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin — even on cloudy days — year-round
- Use a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
- Use approximately one ounce of sunscreen (a shot-glassful) and apply it approximately 15 minutes before sun exposure – then reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating
- Sunscreen is just one component of sun safety. Remember, just because you’re wearing sunscreen, doesn’t mean you can spend unlimited time in the sun.
Wear protective clothing
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
- Seek shade when possible.
- Remember that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Use extra caution near reflective environments
- Water, snow and sand reflect and magnify the damaging rays of the sun, increasing your chance of sunburn.
Do not burn
- Severe sunburns, especially during childhood, increase your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancer.
  - Avoid intentional tanning and indoor tanning beds
  - Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
Get plenty of vitamin D
- Replace vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements if recommended by your doctor – don’t seek the sun for your sole source of Vitamin D.
Be aware of your medications/skin care products and their ingredients
- Certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs or skin care products can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight.

Secondary prevention focuses on the early detection of melanoma. This includes both monthly self-examinations of your skin and yearly skin examinations by your physician.²

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

A portion of the proceeds of our online sales will be donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Shop our site now for any of your skin care brands. Don’t see one of your go-to’s? Give us a call.

¹Melanoma Research Foundation. Melanoma.org, accessed May 9, 2017.

²Skin Cancer Foundation. Skincancer.org, accessed May 9, 2017.

Facial Aesthetics medical spas are located in Denver and Greenwood Village. They are experts at treating patients with Botox in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and all surrounding areas.