September Skin Care: Awareness, Prevention, and the Rise of Skin Cancer
September signals change from activities in the summer sun to the return to work or school in autumn’s glow. This is also Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Acne Awareness Month. It reminds us to keep up our smart skincare habits in all seasons! In today’s post we learn about the three types of skin cancer on the rise worldwide, and about apoptosis (Greek for falling leaves) and how to protect ourselves. Win a free tube of SPP our Skin Protector Plus. Fun and easy contest instructions at the end of this post.
Skin cancer’s rise is a significant motivator behind the life work of Vancouver-based cancer biologist, Dr. Moondust. She formulated Moondust Cosmetics® revolutionary sun care product, Skin Protector Plus (SPP) to give confidence and security to the sun-sensitive and anyone vulnerable to skin cancer in the family or recovering from it.
Our posts blend healthy lifestyle information and science because more than 90% of skin cancer is attributed to over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Tanning booths are also implicated so read on to learn how to avoid being the one in five who will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by age 70.
We learn about how sun exposure is connected to skin cancer in this excerpt from Dr.Moondust’s book:
“Apoptosis” (falling leaves in Greek) specifically refers to one particular mode of cell death which is responsible for the elimination of potentially deleterious, mutated cells. Typically, these include single cells that are aged, dysfunctional, or have been damaged beyond repair by external stimuli such as ultraviolet (UV) irradiation as in the case of sunburn at the beach.
Skin cancers (melanoma and non-melanoma) are the most common cancers in humans with a light skin tone or in those with little melanin and they are on the rise, particularly in ageing populations. Melanoma occurs mainly on the back and legs, often in areas that are not exposed to sunlight, and involves moles or pigment-producing cells (melanocytes), while non-melanoma skin cancer occurs predominantly in areas of the body that are regularly exposed to sunlight in cells of the epidermis (keratinocytes) in people who are susceptible to sunburn. Melanoma presents as a darkish patch of colour, whereas non-melanomas (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) can present as a reddish/pinkish growth, a red sore, or a wart-like growth.
New research suggests that ageing may also have an effect on rate of apoptosis in various tissues since senescence appears to be associated with the deregulation of programmed cell death such that there is an increase of apoptotic activity in certain cell types while there is a decline in others. Thus, preventing the negative effects of UV-radiation is important in the elderly as this dysregulation of apoptosis is likely to play a role in their high skin cancer incidence.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Review of the 3 Types of Melanomas and the Risk Factors
There are three main kinds of skin cancer. The first and least harmful is slow growing basal cell carcinoma (BCC), followed by more aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The most dangerous and life-threatening is the highly aggressive and invasive melanoma skin cancer. Basal and squamous cells are considered non-melanoma skin cancers, and this group also includes other less common and slower growing skin cancers.
- Basal cell carcinoma is considered the least dangerous because it doesn’t tend to spread. It usually shows up as a raised area of skin that may be red or dark pink and is commonly found on areas of the body that get more sun exposure, like the face, ears, scalp, and back and shoulders. Although it’s the least dangerous in terms of cancer risk, BCC can still cause skin damage and require removal.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is more dangerous than BCC, because it can spread to other areas of the body. SCC usually appears as scaly red skin patches, growths with indented centers, wart-like growths, or other lesions. SCC can be deadly if left untreated, causing around 2,500 skin cancer deaths each year in the US. Like BCC, it appears mainly in areas of the body that get the most sun exposure.
- Melanoma is the deadliest of all skin cancers. Damaged skin cells mutate and multiply rapidly to form aggressive tumors that start in the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Melanoma often looks like black or brown moles, although it sometimes shows up in other colors, or blends in with skin. The risks of metastasis in melanoma are very high if left untreated. Around 10,000 people die each year in the US from melanoma metastasis to other organs. This is why early detection is critical, and with surgery, it can be curable. However, even after surgery, risks of recurrence are high and call for targeted strategies to help keep this invasive cancer from returning.
Detect and Protect Yourself with Melanoma Awareness
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and unfortunately, its risk doesn’t disappear just because the skies are overcast. If you live in cities like Vancouver where it is often rainy or cloudy you might think you don’t need sun protection, but UV rays can still penetrate through those clouds.
- Understand the different types of melanoma and practice regular skin checks as steps in prevention.
- Incorporate sun protection into your daily routine, no matter the weather.
- See a dermatologist if you see any changes in your skin.
- Be proactive and be mindful of the tools and insights you’ve learned in our posts to prioritize what matters most and take care of yourself as we get into this busy fall season.
- Get enough Vitamin D through wise sun exposure or supplements
Getting D in the outdoor sun requires caution. Too much and you risk the damage of ultraviolet radiation. UV exposure can lead to repeated sunburn, or it can affect your DNA over time and can lead to increased cancer risks through either process.
Sun protection is a first step to prevent DNA damage caused by too much sun exposure. One of the safest topical sun care ingredients is natural zinc oxide, which delivers broad-spectrum mineral-based protection and also helps prevent previously damaged skin from further sun exposure. Moondust’s SPP has 13% zinc oxide as one of the central ingredients in Moondust Cosmetics® natural Skin Protector Plus and helps to protect anyone who is particularly prone to theHuman Sunburn Cycle.
Find other tips and information on melanoma in this earlier post on the Moondust site.
As a cancer biologist, Dr. Moondust’s research is continuous. She publishes extensively in the field and presents at conferences globally. Her books are found here on the Moondust website.
Are you concerned with melanoma? You might find this article of interest: A ‘custom-built’ vaccine for melanoma
“It is about a personalised vaccine for melanoma — mRNA-4157 (V940) — is being tested in a phase 3 clinical trial. The vaccine is intended to keep melanoma at bay in people who have already been treated, usually with surgery. It targets 34 cancer mutations that are specific to each individual’s cancer. “It is absolutely custom-built for the patient — you couldn’t give this to the next patient in the line because you wouldn’t expect it to work,” says coordinating investigator and oncologist Heather Shaw.”
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Play the Game to Win a tube of Skin Protector Plus
Rule/ Instructions for the game:
1. Take a screenshot of the puzzle post
2. Find and circle all ingredients used to formulate our Skin Protector Plus
3. Email the solved puzzle on info@moondustcosmetics.com
4. Entry deadline is October 31st 11:59pm PST
5. All submissions with correct answers will receive a free Moondust Natural Skin Protector Plus Tube (shipping charges not included and redemption instruction will be emailed)
