From The Treatment Room: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

We are so excited for our first installment of #FromTheTreatmentRoom on The Gee Edit Blog in collaboration with the Skin Bosses! Anna Perez and Jessica Torres are the Medi-Beauty Managers at Gee Beauty and the duo behind @skinbosses. Anna and Jessica have a combined 20+ years experience as professional experts in the medical beauty world, and have been the creative and innovative force behind Gee Beauty’s Medi-Beauty Department. Along with their passion for high-tech facial treatments, like our Ageless Micro-Needling Facial, our Medi-Beauty Managers have extensive knowledge on each product retailed at Gee Beauty to best support your skincare goals in combination with our customized skin treatments.

 

Hi everyone, Anna and Jessica here! We are so excited for our first post on The Gee Edit Blog! Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month we thought it fitting to answer your most frequently asked questions regarding skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology has listed UV exposure as the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer so read on for our answers and best production recommendations for prevention.

What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells. It occurs when unrepaired DNA damage to the skin cells triggers mutation or genetic defects that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. This is normally caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun and/or tanning beds. Skin cancer is often found in areas most exposed to the sun, like the head, neck and arms but they can occur everywhere. 

How do I check for skin cancer?

To check for skin cancer follow the ABCDE rule when examining a mole:

Asymmetry - does the mole look uneven?
Border - are the borders irregular?
Colour - is the colour changing?
Diameter - is the mole larger than 6mm in diameter?
Evolving - is the mole changing colour, shape or size?

If after completing this check and you are still unsure, always consult with your family doctor or dermatologist. We recommend everyone to do annual checks with their doctor and those who are fair skinned and freckled to do them more frequently.

What are the 3 best products to prevent skin cancer and protect your skin?

We believe that that every skincare routine should start with 3 key products: a vitamin C serum, a hyaluronic acid serum, and an SPF. 

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that will protect your skin from environmental stressors as well as prevent any future damage. When used in conjunction with SPF it will protect 97% of your sunburn cells. We recommend SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic because it contains 15% L-ascorbic acid to give you full protection, as well as Ferulic acid which is an antioxidant that aids in reducing inflammation and stabilizing vitamin C.

Hyaluronic Acid is a natural humectant that locks in moisture to the skin. Keeping your skin hydrated is key for optimal skin health. This should be used morning and night, applied after your vitamin c in the morning and after your active serums at night. We love Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum because it is very lightweight. It contains long and short chain molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin. 

The most important product is SPF. There are 2 kinds: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen reflects UVA and UVB rays and contains zinc and titanium dioxide. These are very lightweight and applies nicely under makeup. Chemical sunscreen absorbs the UV rays and is typically water resistant so it won’t rub or sweat off if you are going to be active outside. We love Elta MD UV Daily because it is a physical sunscreen and is very lightweight. 

What are some lifestyle changes I can make to help prevent skin cancer?

The most important things you can do for your skin is also important for overall health. Staying hydrated, eating the rainbow of veggies and fruit and making sure to get adequate sleep is the foundation for healthy skin. Being conscious of the sun should always be kept in mind. Wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying, staying out of the sun during peak hours of 10am to 2pm and wearing a hat, sun visor and sunglasses to protect give extra protection to your face and eyes.

For more content from Anna and Jessica you can follow them on Instagram @skinbosses!