Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – and it is also the start of the summer season when most of us will be spending more time enjoying the great outdoors.

According to Dr. Z. Paul Lorenc, New York plastic surgeon, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and the rates of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer,  have been rising steadily for the past three decades.

Basal Cell Carcinomas (most common form of skin cancer) and Squamous Cell Carcinomas (the second most common form) are caused primarily by sun exposure, and develop most commonly on sun-exposed areas, including the face, ears, neck, lips, scalp, and the backs of the hands. Unfortunately, most skin cancers occur on the face because that your face get the most exposure to UV rays.

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, ZO Skin Health is pleased to report that our newest sunscreen – ZO Skin Health Oclipse Smart Tone SPF50 – just received the highly coveted Sun Safety Award from the nominating committee of physicians of Plastic Surgery Practice (PSP)! Woo hoo! This unique formula offers complete protection in a creamy wearable consistency with anti-redness properties and customizable color beads with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection to match any skin tone. You’ve got to try this product!

Using the right sunscreen and enough of it for adequate protection is key, as well as other prevention measures, such as seeking shade from 12 – 2 pm daily when the sun hits its peak, and wearing a wide brimmed hat, and protective clothing on your chest, arms and legs to prevent further sun damage.