UV FACTS & SKIN CHECKS

Short on time? No worries. We've compiled a short cut guide on all important things UV, skin & skin check.

The Facts: Ultra Violete (UV) Radiation

Ultra Violete rays are unforgiving and they are dangerous. They are classified as a high-energy radiation, capable of causing damage to living organisms.

• Are carcinogenic to humans
• Cannot be seen or felt
• Is not related to temperature
• Can be high even on cool and cloudy days
• Can pass through clouds
• Can pass through loosely woven materials
• Can bounce of reflective surfaces such as metal, concrete, water & snow
• Damage from UV is cumulative

Repeat after us: Damage from UV exposure is cumulative

Sun damage doesn’t just ‘restart’ on a new day. It is cumulative and increases your skin cancer risk over time. While your body can repair some of the DNA damage in skin cells, it can't repair all of it. The unrepaired damage builds up over time and triggers mutations that cause skin cells to multiply rapidly.

Who can develop skin cancer?

Some people have a high risk than others, but absolutely anyone can develop skin cancer and this includes all skins of all tones. 

Checking yourself & what to look for:

• More than 95% of skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early. The sooner a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or, in the case of a serious melanoma or other skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death.
• Check your skin regularly & see your doctor if you notice a new spot which has changed in size, colour or shape or – simply something that appears out of the ordinary and hasn’t gone away after several weeks.
• Ask your doctor about your level of risk and for advice on early detection.
• A great initiative is mole mapping, which involves taking photos of your moles so they can be, combined with future annual checks to see if there have been any noticeable changes.

For more in-depth information on a check & what to look for, click here 

The take-aways

• If you have any questions or concerns, book an appointment and ask your GP. 
• Use sunscreens that are TGA listed. This means they have undergone extensive testing to prove their Sun Protection Factor (SPF).
• Try to wear minimum SPF 30 but ideally wear SPF 50+

And, don't forget to wear your SPF 'Air-y-day'

Source: cancercouncil.com, Cancer.org.au