Skin Cancer Prevention

STOP Skin Cancer before it STARTS

Cancer is a terrible diagnosis in any situation and we all know someone who has been diagnosed with some sort of cancer. But did you know what the most common form of cancer is????

YOU GUESSED IT! -  SKIN CANCER

Here are a few quick statistics about skin cancer to help you wrap your mind around just how common it is:

• There are more new cases of skin cancer each year than breast, prostate, lung, and colon COMBINED!
• In the last 30 years, more people have had skin cancer than ALL OTHER CANCERS COMBINED!
• 1 in 5 Americans WILL BE DIAGNOSED with skin cancer in their lifetime. 

**And not all skin cancer is easily removable or treatable. Melanoma is often deadly!

Prevention can be SO EASY so here are a few quick tips:

1. Seek shade

• Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the sun's rays are the brightest and strongest. If you are outside for any reason, simply seek shade to avoid sun damage to your skin.
• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat!

2. DO NOT TAN

• UV rays cause skin cancer and wrinkling of the skin

3. Wear sunscreen (*Correctly)

• Reapply every 2 hoursGenerously apply 15 minutes before exposure 
• Wear SPF 30 or higher for protection against UVA and UVB rays

4. Watch out for Snow, Water, and Sand

• Really? Yes! These surfaces all reflect the sun's rays making it easier to burn and exposing your skin to double the amount of damaging UV rays.

5. Self Check and Visit your Doctor

• Self-examine and watch out for changing moles or dark spots
• See your doctor regularly and point out places of concern to check
• Early Detection can be life-saving!!!!

So before you head outdoors or think about laying in the sun all day - remember these tips and protect yourself from the most common cancer in the country!

References

National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. (n.d.) Skin cancer prevention tips. Retrieved from http://www.skincancerprevention.org/skin-cancer/prevention-tips

Skin Cancer Foundation (2016, June 8). Skin cancer facts and statistics. Retrieved from http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts

Skin Healthy Diet

Caring for your skin with FOOD! 

Eating healthy affects all aspects of your health. Maintaining healthy weight, preventing heart disease, keeping your digestive tract moving correctly are all effects of a healthy diet and eating right, but did you know that there are foods that are healthy for your SKIN??

Ok, so you may have known that already but in this post I would like to discuss foods proven to be healthy for clearer, firmer skin as well as food that is best for acne and aging. 

According to Cleveland Clinic, there are about 23 foods that are best to keep you healthy on the inside, therefore keeping you healthy on the outside. They split these foods into a few categories that we will discuss in this post. Get excited :)

For firmer skin (Who doesn't want that??):

1. Fish 

(Almost all kinds but especially Tuna, Salmon, Sardines, and Trout!)

 The Omega 3 fatty acids are what helps to keep collagen in the skin firm.

2. Plants

**Don't go outside and start eating dandelions yet****

Once again, plant-based foods contain Omega-3's that are amazing for your skin. Some of the best foods in this category include walnuts, spinach, mustard greens, canola oil, and anything with soy!

For protection (against sun damage and more!)
1. Tomatoes **They get their own special section!**
Tomatoes are a very versatile food that can be put into all kinds of dishes. They contain lycopene (an antioxidant) that keeps skin smooth. Smooth skin helps protect it from damage.

2. Other fruits and veggies
Fruits and veggies contain antioxidants and lots of vitamins! Vitamin C and vitamin E most importantly. These vitamins help your skin to fight wrinkles and allow your skin to defend against sun damage (****NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SUNSCREEN*******. The absolute best foods in this category include strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. 

Also - KALE! Kale actually neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure to protect your skin. SO COOL

3. Dark Chocolate (YAY!)

As long as the dark chocolate you choose is between 60%-70% cocoa, the flavonals will reduce rough skin and protect from the SUN (devil emoji). EAT SPARINGLY! A few ounces a day should do it!!




There you have it everyone! Eat these foods and you can look forward to healthier skin and a healthier life!

Most IMPORTANTLY - Stay away from too much SUGAR! (another devil emoji) Sugar is key in producing fat throughout the body and is equally bad for skin (increased acne production/oils) 

The next post will talk more about skin health prevention, especially from skin cancer and sun damage.

References:

Jeffers, L. (2015, December 1). 23 foods that are good for your skin. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2015/12/23-foods-good-skin/

Girdwain, J. (2013, November 6). 25 best foods for your skin. Retrieved from http://www.prevention.com/beauty/25-best-foods-for-your-skin