Skin Cancer Detection: Performing a Skin Self-Exam

When caught and treated early, skin cancers are highly curable. This is why skin self-exams are so important! For skin cancer awareness month I filmed a video with an overview on how to perform a head-to-toe skin self-exam which can identify any potentially worrisome spots on your skin. You can watch the video here.

Regular skin self-exams are especially important for people who are at higher risk of skin cancer, including people who have had skin cancer before and those with a family history of skin cancer.

The first time you perform a skin self-exam, spend time carefully going over the entire surface. Learn the pattern of your moles, freckles, and other marks on your skin so that you’ll notice any changes over time.

If you notice a spot that is different from others (“ugly duckling” sign), or that changes, itches or bleeds, you should get it checked. It is also important to consult a doctor as soon as possible if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit any of the potential markers of melanoma known as the ABCDEs:

▪️ Asymmetry - One half of the spot is unlike the other half.

▪️ Border - The spot has an irregular or poorly defined border.

▪️ Color - The spot has varying colors such as shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.

▪️Diameter - Melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, but can be smaller.

▪️Evolving - The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.

Now that you know what to look for, here are a few tips on how to perform your self-exam:

✅  Examine your body in a full-length mirror, with good lighting.

✅  Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.

✅  Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, underarms, and palms.

✅  Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and the soles of your feet.

✅  Use a hand mirror to examine your neck and scalp Part hair for a closer look.

✅  Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

For more helpful information check out https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/awareness-campaigns/practice-safe-sun and https://www.skincancer.org/.

Sun Care is Skin Care

Proper sun protection is key to overall skin health. This includes limiting sun exposure as best you can, covering up with protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and of course sunscreen! Beyond the risk of skin cancer, it is estimated that 80% of visible skin aging is caused by UV. So all of the time, effort and money spent on other areas of skin care can go to waste if you aren’t protecting your skin from the sun. Sun care is skin care!

Daily sunscreen use is the most important step in your skincare routine. And it all starts with picking the right sunscreen - that means one you like and will actually use!  In terms of what to look for in a sunscreen, it should be SPF 30 (or higher) and provide broad spectrum (UVA + UVB) protection. Beyond that a lot comes down to personal preference and what works well for your skin and your lifestyle. 

Olay Canada recently launched a new sunscreen that I’ve been trying out. The Olay Mineral SPF 30 is a 100% mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and fragrance free. Mineral sunscreens are often recommended for those with sensitive skin, conditions such as melasma and rosacea, as well as pregnant women. But they can be great for all skin types!

The Olay Mineral SPF 30 has been formulated with niacinamide and glycerin which are two ingredients I like for skin hydration and restoring the moisture barrier. While some mineral sunscreens may leave a white cast on the skin, I found this one went on smoothly and blended in nicely. For me it worked well with my makeup and the container is relatively compact so I could take it with me on the go.

It is important that whatever sunscreen you choose, you apply every morning after your other products, and reapply during the day. The amount of sunscreen needed to adequately cover your face is about ½ teaspoon or two finger lengths. The vast majority of people under apply and are not getting the protection they think they are, so when in doubt apply more. 

For more information on how I incorporate sunscreen into my routine and lifestyle, check out my page on Instagram. And to learn more about the Olay Mineral SPF visit the Olay Canada site.

This post was sponsored by Olay Canada

Sun Protection Tips & Top Sunscreen Picks

May is skin cancer awareness month and as we move into the summer months, I thought I’d share some tips to help protect your skin in the sun. I’ve also provided some recommendations on my favorite sunscreens below.

o Whenever possible, avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10 am and 3 pm, when UVB is most intense.

o If avoiding the sun is not possible, cover up with clothing as much as possible and wear a broad brimmed hat to protect your face. 

o Always use a high SPF (30+) broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection factor.

o The higher the SPF the better.  While there seems to be a persistent myth that once you get over a certain SPF it doesn’t matter, in fact, studies have shown that higher SPF sunscreens do provide more protection.

o Most people under apply sunscreen by half. So apply liberally and remember to reapply!

o Spread sunscreen, don't rub it in. Best protection is achieved from a uniform layer on the surface of the skin.

o Contrary to some common myths, chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens are both effective forms of protection. What is most important is to find a sunscreen formulation that you like and will actually use!

o Think about sun protection and sun damage at a cumulative level. Protecting from a sunburn today is important, but long-term protection from skin cancers and photoaging is critical (and can save your life!)

o Using sunscreen on a daily basis can significantly reduce your risk of various forms of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Some of my recommended sunscreens

I'll wrap this up by providing a list of sunscreens that I personally like. Each person is different and my recommendations will vary depending on your skin type ie. oily, sensitive etc.  but this is a great set of products to choose from. To purchase any of these you can visit Shop My Shelf.

o   La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid Mineral Body Lotion SPF 50

Love this for all over protection and it does not feel heavy.

o   SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

One of my favorites for the face. It’s purely mineral, light weight and has a nice tint to it.

o   Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-on Sunscreen Powder SPF 50

Easy to apply (dust powder on) and for those that wear makeup you don’t have to worry about reapplying a sunscreen over top of your foundation. You can learn more about Colorescience here.  

o   Vichy Ideal Soleil Stick SPF 60

Love this for my kids’ faces! The stick is to apply and I’m less likely to get sunscreen in their eyes as they squirm.

o   SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+

This is another go to of mine. It also acts as a superscreen to protect against infrared rays.

o   EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46

A good option for patients with sensitive or acne prone skin

Summer Sunscreen Tips

When it comes to sunscreen the most important thing is that you use it! However, even when people are diligent about wearing sunscreen they may still be putting their skin at risk. I wanted to address a few things that everyone needs to know to ensure maximum protection for your skin.

The most common mistake people make when using sunscreen is not using enough and not applying it frequently enough. Sunscreen should form a film on the skin when initially applied. A good rule of thumb is to use 1 oz of sunscreen to cover your body (though obviously this needs to be adjusted based on your body type). Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun and reapplied every two hours, no matter what SPF.

Sunscreens should be a minimum of 30 SPF but I always suggest the higher (SPF) the better. In the morning we recommend that sunscreen go on after moisturizers or other creams, but before makeup. Always reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating and apply it on dry skin. 

We recommend using sunscreen daily all year round as the sun’s rays reflect off surfaces such as snow, sand and even concrete, so be sure to protect your skin. In addition to sunscreen it is recommended to wear photo-protective clothing and always wear a hat when spending any extended time in the sun. Beyond the risk of skin cancer, the sun can also lead to signs of premature aging like wrinkles and brown spots. If your skin is already sun damaged it is important to do regular skin checks.

The weather is heating up and I know everyone is excited to get out in the sun. If you follow the advice above your skin (and your dermatologist) will thank you!