Although melanoma accounts for only about 2% of all skin cancer cases, it is the cause of most skin cancer deaths. It doesn’t take years to appear, like with some cancers. In fact, it’s the third-most common cancer in those aged 25-29. Although some of the risk factors can’t be helped (skin tone and family history, for example), it IS possible to control one of the other risk factors—exposure to intense UV radiation, either from the sun or tanning beds.
After Tricia, the founder of Suntegrity Skincare, sadly lost her mom to melanoma, she decided to do something to help others try and avoid the same fate—she created her own line of holistic, mineral suncare. Tricia wanted her suncare to be different from most of the other sunscreens on themarket, many of which contain chemicals and other toxic ingredients that can be just as harmful to the body as sun exposure. “It didn’t make sense to me to use these types of sunscreens to prevent skin cancer, only to get another kind of cancer,” she explains.
Following years of research, Suntegrity was born. The company’s products not only provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, they also contain healthy antioxidants and amino acids that protect and repair skin. In fact, the 5-in-1 facial formula in your summer Yuzen box has five specific benefits that you won’t get from other sunscreens—it treats, hydrates, protects, primes, and covers, all in one. This means that you can keep skin moisturized during the dry summer months while also protecting it from the skin’s harmful rays. It also lightly tints the skin and evens out skin tone, meaning makeup, which can feel so heavy in hot weather, isn’t necessary.
So, to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, wear a mineral-based sunscreen all year long, and check the label to see how often you need to reapply. Here are a few other ways to decrease your risks:
Wear a hat. Wearing a topper with at least a 2-inch or 3-inch brim keeps the sun off your face, and it shades your eyes, too.
Wear sunglasses. Ward off the sun’s glare all year long, even in winter when sunlight reflects off the snow. Invest in the good kind that block UV rays, not cheap ones from the discount store. Sunglasses with large frames and lenses also help shield the delicate skin around the eyes.
Don’t sunbathe. Deliberately exposing yourself to the sun is never a good idea, even if you’re wearing mineral sunscreen. You’ll be much happier in the shade.
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Some think that a “bronze glow” is desirable, but it’s just not worth the risks.
To learn more about Suntegrity and the company’s products, visit www.suntegrityskincare.com.