May is Melanoma Awareness Month

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and we are here to tell you that our skin is of the utmost importance! Not only do we want to care for our skin so it looks beautiful, we want to care for it to prevent Melanoma, the most serious cancer of the skin.

Some FACTS from the Melanoma Research Foundation:

· Every hour of every day someone in the United States dies from melanoma

· Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and World Wide

· Most melanoma is curable in the early stages with an over 90% survival rate

· Most causes of melanoma are caused by exposure to UV light and sunlight

Dr. Leonard Farber, founder of the Farber Center in NYC says to know your Melanoma ABC’s. Knowing what to look for can help prevent Melanoma. Watch your skin for moles or growths that exhibit:

A: Asymmetry (uneven shape)

B: Border (irregular or jagged)

C: Color (varied- often mixed black, brown, tan or any change in color)

D: Diameter (large size, 6mm or larger)

E: Evolving- moles that change in size, shape, color or elevation

Of course there are some great products out there that can help us protect our hair and delicate skin from harmful rays of the sun. Our favorites?

Banana Boat Sport Performance Lip Balm – Sport Chalet, $2.79

Banana Boat® Sport Performance™ Lip Balm is very water/sweat resistant and keeps your lips moisturized.  This ultra-sheer formula with patented AvoTriplex™ technology protects in 3 ways: 1. Against sunburn with high UVB protection. 2. Against aging and long-term skin damage with high UVA protection. 3. Lasts longer than ordinary sunscreens since it doesn’t break down.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea SPF 45 Sunscreen, $9.99

Perfect for daily wear.  This non-greasy sun shield, with green tea antioxidants and certified organic aloe vera abosrbs quickly and effectively with a light, fresh scent.

Davines SU Sun Oil, $28.00

This multi-tasking hair and body essential nourishes and protects with a powerful blend of Argan and Jojoba Oils, Vitamin E and UV filters. With its innovative anti-aging formula, the lightweight oil preserves the integrity of hair color and skin tone, protecting against the drying and damaging effects of salt, sun and chloride for an all-over healthy shine.

Josie Maran Argan Protect SPF 40+ Natural Daily Sun Protection, $32.00

A daily-wear sunblock that naturally shields sensitive skinfrom the sun. Josie’s sunblock employs natural titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide tested levels of broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, fending off the skin-aging effects of sun exposure. Infused with sun damage-fighting Argan Oil, the extra-mild, fast-absorbing formula is safe for even the most sensitive skin-including that of babies and toddlers.

Lavanila Healthy Lip Screen SPF 30, $16.00

Unlike oily synthetic formulas that slide right off the lips, The Healthy Lip Sunscreen is a luxuriously creamy formula that delivers intense hydration and high-level protection by infusing pure Shea Butter with a new generation of Natural Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Pretty and practical, this powerful hydrator features soothing vanilla and cool peppermint for sun protection that marries beauty and safety.

Smart Girls Who Surf SPF 30+ Mineral Sunscreen, $16.99

Smart Girls Who Surf Non-Whitening Mineral SPF 30+ Sunscreen has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is formulated with natural ingredients. We do not use any parabens or chemical sunscreen active like octinoxate and oxybenzone. This product is sweat resistant, won’t sting your eyes and made here in the USA.

Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk for Face & Body, $35.50

Advanced UV filtering system– A unique association of photo stabilized sunscreens for broad-spectrum and longer-lasting  protection, with advanced efficiency against UVA rays. Powerful anti-oxidant complex -Senna Alata, a tropical leaf extract known to defend skin cells. -Additional anti-oxidant help protect skin from environmental aggressors.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, $13.49

With clinically proven Total Soy Complex and natural light diffusers, this daily moisturizer evens out skin tone and texture and immediately reflects light to bring out skin’s natural radiance. Its fast-absorbing formula leaves skin soft and smooth and is clinically proven to improve skin tone and texture in as little as 4 weeks. Gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use, this moisturizer is also oil free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic and contains SPF 15 UVA/UVB sunscreen

What do you use to protect your skin?

Share this article and raise awareness. Everyone’s skin deserves protection!