Are You Truly Protecting Your Skin? Discover the Power of UV Detection with the GlowGuard!
When it comes to skincare, we all strive to do our best--whether it's applying sunscreen, following a routine, or investing in the latest products. But how confident are you that our skin is getting the protection it needs? Have you ever wondered if your sunscreen is truly waterproof, or if certain areas of your face are more exposed to harmful UV rays? Have you ever wondered if the sunscreen or make-up you're wearing is really chemical free? Enter the GlowGuard UV Testing Mirror from Mauve Waves, the game changing tool that elevates your skincare routine by ensuring you get the best out of your sun protection efforts.
In this blog, we'll explore how GlowGuard is redefining skincare, offering real-time UV feedback, & helping you maintain that flawless, healthy glow--every single day. We will also dive into raising awareness about the importance of UV protection & proper sunscreen use!
Let's start with the most crucial aspect of this blog: raising awareness about the dangers of sun exposure & UV rays. Surprisingly, this issue doesn't receive the same attention or advocacy as other harmful behaviors such as smoking, drug use, or even unhealthy eating habits. We say surprisingly due to the fact that only 40% of Americans report using sunscreen, despite skin cancer being the most common form of cancer in the United States. Only 30% of men regularly use sunscreen, making them more likely to develop melanoma compared to women. & over 70% of people don't apply enough sunscreen for full protection. Unfortunately most people miss commonly neglected areas like ears, neck, & the tops of feet, which are all highly susceptible to sun damage. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure, including wrinkles, dark spots, & loss of skin elasticity. However, on the bright side, daily sunscreen use reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%. Melanoma isn't the only form of skin cancer you can develop from unprotected exposure to the sun. There are actually 3 types of skin cancer linked to sun damage.
+Melanoma- The most dangerous form of skin cancer, linked to intense, occasional UV exposure (like sunburns) & often developing from moles or dark spots. While melanoma only accounts for 1% of skin cancers, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths. A person's risk of developing melanoma doubles if they've had more than 5 sunburns in their lifetime. Even if those burns were mild. While UV exposure is the leading cause, genetics also plays a role. About 10% of people with melanoma have a family history of the disease. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including areas not typically exposed to the sun, such as the soles of the feet or under the nails. & what we really want to highlight is the risk of melanoma from indoor tanning! Using a tanning bed before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%!
+Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)- The most common type of skin cancer, caused by long-term exposure to UV rays, often appearing on sun exposed areas like the face & neck. While BCC rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can grow deeply into the skin, causing significant damage to surrounding tissues. The risk of developing BCC increases with age, especially in those over 50, however younger people are also at risk, particularly if they've used a tanning bed! Those who have had organ transplants are at a higher risk of developing BCC too. Unfortunately more than one-third of people who develop a BCC will have another within 5 years. Regular skin checks are very important after the first diagnosis.
+Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)- The second most common type of skin cancer & also related to chronic UV exposure, typically found on areas that receive frequent sun exposure. However, unlike Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma has a higher likelihood of spreading to other parts of the body, particularly in the lymph nodes & internal organs. People with fair skin are at the highest risk for developing SCC, but it can affect all skin tones. In fact, people with darker skin are more likely to develop SCC on non-sun-exposed areas. Just like with the other two, people who use tanning beds are at a much higher risk for developing SCC. SCC can also develop in scare tissue. There is a pre-cancerous condition called Actinic Keratosis, which is rough scaly patches of skin & if left untreated, can develop into SCC. The primary cause of SCC is cumulative sun exposure over a lifetime, making occupations or activities that involve prolonged sun exposure a major risk factor.
As you can see, a common theme throughout these 3 cancers is the risk of using TANNING BEDS! Tanning beds emit UV radiation levels that can be up to 12x stronger than natural sunlight. BCC & SCC are strongly linked to tanning bed use, particularly among young adults. Indoor tanners are 6x more likely to develop SCC & 2.5x more likely to develop BCC than non-tanners. There is approximately 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States each year that are attributed to indoor tanning, including 6,200 cases of melanoma. Indoor tanning also increases the risk of melanoma of the eye, aka(ocular melanoma). It is rare but very dangerous. In fact, tanning bed users have a much higher risk of eye damage, such as cataracts & photokeratitis (corneal burns) due to UV light. Tanning beds also cause immunosuppression, which weakens the skin's ability to protect against diseases & repair damage. There is a common misconception that tanning beds offer a "safe tan" or provide a "base tan" that prevents sunburn. However, any level of tan is a sign of skin damage, & a base tan offers very little protection from future UV damage. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies tanning beds as Group 1 Carcinogens. This is the same category as tobacco & asbestos! That's why many countries, including Brazil & Australia, have banned the use of commercial tanning beds. In the U.S., several states, such as California, Delaware, Illinois, Nevada & others have age restrictions or require parental consent for minors to use tanning beds. The FDA reclassified tanning beds from low-risk (Class 1) to moderate-risk (Class 2) devices, which has required additional safety measures & more stringent regulations on manufacturers & operators. Many salons limit sessions to 10-20 minutes depending on the type of bed & the person's skin type. However, we still do not think there is enough being done about this growing problem. While the percentage of regular indoor tanning bed users has declined in recent years, it's not nearly enough. & the percentage of people not using sunscreen or applying it incorrectly is still shockingly high.
Protect Your Skin, Protect Your Future- Understanding the dangers of sun exposure & the importance of UV protection is crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Whether it's using sunscreen daily, seeking shade, or incorporating innovative tools like the GlowGuard UV Testing Mirror into your routine, every step you take matters! Skin cancer & premature aging are preventable with the right precautions. So, let's prioritize sun safety & make mindful choices that protect our skin for years to come. Your glow is worth guarding-- every single day.
