audrey Magazine – Summer 2012

Protecting your skin from the sun is no laughing matter, especially when such rampant sun worshipping leads to premature aging, unsightly sunspots and even cancer. But what’s not commonly known is that while skin cancer affects more Caucasian Americans, Asian Americans and other people of color are more likely to die from melanoma than their Caucasian counterparts. (Did you know that reggae musician Bob Marley died of skin cancer at the age of 36?)

Strangely enough, melanomas in Asians, including Filipinos, Indonesians and Native Hawaiians, most often occur on non-exposed skin whit less pigment-in fact, up to 60-75 percent of tumors show up on the palms, soles, mucous membranes (the mouth!) and nail regions. And among non-Caucasians, melanoma is a higher risk for children than adults: 6.5 percent of pediatric melanoma occur in non-Caucasians.

So what do you do? First, get checked. Look for moles or spots that change overtime, get crusty or bleed. The skin cancer foundation is once again launching their Road to Healthy Skin Tour this summer. Get a free full body skin cancer screening, the latest info on preventing skin cancer, and samples of the latest Aveeno products, including their genius Hydrosport Sunblock Spray (yes, you can spray on wet skin).

Secondly, always, always, always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Confused by all the difference ingredients and SPF levels?

One easy way is to look for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.

Specifically formulated for olive to dark brown-complexions-no chalky residue or irritants known to stimulate the production of excess melanin. Extrashade Sun Protection for Rich Complexions daily Defense Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30.