Your Skin Tells A Story - Make It A Healthy One

It’s your body’s largest organ, your first line of defense, and it tells your story. So today, let’s talk skin — more specifically, why sunscreen isn’t optional and why a skin check could literally save your life. 

Transcript

Introduction to Skin Protection

Speaker 1 0:00

Hey everyone , welcome back to the Employee Wellness Wellcast , the podcast where we dive deep into the things that keep us healthy , happy and informed . I'm your host , jane Hansen , and today we're talking about something you wear every single day your skin . It's your body's largest organ , your first line of defense , and it tells your story . So today let's talk skin , more specifically , why sunscreen isn't optional and why a skin check could literally save your life . Our skin keeps us protected from the outside world from harmful bacteria , uv radiation and environmental pollutants , but it's also incredibly vulnerable , so it's important that we treat it with care . Every year , millions of people are diagnosed with skin conditions , and the most concerning of these is skin cancer . In fact , did you know that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 ? There are three types of skin cancer Basal cell sarconoma , the most common . Slow growing , but it can be disfiguring . Squamous cell sarconoma it's the second most common and it can spread if it's untreated . And then the third is melanoma it's the most dangerous , it's responsible for most skin cancer deaths , but it's very treatable when it's caught early . So how do we protect ourselves ?

Understanding Types of Skin Cancer

Speaker 1 1:37

One word prevention . Let's talk about sunscreen or , as dermatologists call it your daily armor . Spf stands for sun protection factor . It measures how well the sunscreen protects you from your UVB rays , which are the main cause of sunburn and contribute to skin cancer . But here's the kicker there are two types of UV rays that we need to worry about . Uva

Sunscreen: Your Daily Armor

Speaker 1 2:06

rays these penetrate deeper into the skin , they cause premature aging wrinkles and they contribute to skin cancer . Then we have UVB rays these affect the surface layer of the skin . They cause sunburns and direct DNA damage . You need broad spectrum sunscreen that protects us against both . So here's the real question how do you use sunscreen correctly ? When you're reaching for sunscreen , opt for 30 SPF or higher . Give yourself time to marinate before you jump into the sun . So apply 15 to 30 minutes before your sun exposure . Use about two tablespoons to cover your whole body and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating . Oh and yes , even on cloudy days , up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds , and if you're indoors next to a window , uv rays can still get you . So daily application is super important to keep you safe from the sun . So let's bust a few common myths regarding sunscreen , shall we ? Here's the myth I have darker skin , I don't need sunscreen Wrong . While melanin does offer some natural protection , it's not enough to prevent damage or skin cancer . In fact , skin cancer in people with darker skin tones is often diagnosed later in life , making it more dangerous . So daily application

Busting Common Sunscreen Myths

Speaker 1 3:49

of sunscreen is super important and it's your first line of defense . Here's the myth I only need sunscreen when I'm at the beach or in the sun . Nope , Daily exposure of walking the dog , driving your car , running errands it all adds up over time . That's what causes long-term skin damage . So daily application of sunscreen is super important .

Speaker 1 4:21

All sunscreens are greasy or bad for your skin . This is a myth , and not anymore . There are amazing mineral and chemical options for every skin type , from oily to acne prone to sensitive . You haven't found the one you love yet ? Well , just keep trying or do your research . Your skin will thank you for wearing sunscreen .

Speaker 1 4:47

So now that we've talked about sunscreen , let's talk about skin checks and how they save your life . So how do you know if something's wrong ? You've probably heard of the ABCDE rule for identifying potential melanomas . When you're looking at your skin , take a moment to observe . Do you have any bumps or moles or discoloration ? Maybe

Life-Saving ABCDE Skin Check Guide

Speaker 1 5:14

it's a patch of skin that looks different from the rest . Regular skin checks can help us know what to look for and , if anything is concerning , to be checked by a dermatologist . So let's talk about what skin checks are and the ABCDE rule .

Speaker 1 5:28

What is a skin check ? A skin check involves carefully examining your skin from head to toe to look for any new , changing or unusual spots or moles . This includes checking your scalp , your face , including your ears and behind your ears , your neck and your chest , your face , including your ears and behind your ears , your neck and your chest , arms and underarms , hands and in between your fingers , your back , your legs , your feet and even your bikini and buttocks area . Use a full-length mirror when you're checking and , for areas that are difficult to see , ask someone that you live with to help you Take note of any moles or spots and whether they change over time . The ABCDE rule is a guideline for identifying atypical moles or melanomas .

Speaker 1 6:12

A stands for asymmetry . Normal moles are usually symmetrical . If you draw a line through the middle , they have two halves that will match . Melanomas are asymmetrical . One half does not match the other . If you have an asymmetrical mole , you should get checked . B B stands for border . Normal moles have smooth , even borders . Melanomas often have irregular , scalloped or poorly defined edges . If you notice an irregular border , you should get checked .

Speaker 1 6:46

C stands for color . Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown or tan . Melanomas can have multiple colors , including different shades of brown , black , red , white , blue or even pink . If your mole is a different shade , you should get checked . D stands for diameter . Most benign moles are small Melanomas are typically larger than 6 millimeters , about the size of a pencil eraser , though some can be smaller when first detected .

Speaker 1 7:19

E . E stands for evolving . Watch for change over time . If a mole or a lesion is changing in size , or a lesion is changing in size , shape , color or begins to itch , bleed or crust , it could be suspicious and it's an indication for you to be checked by a dermatologist . So when should we be seen by a dermatologist ? You should consult a healthcare provider if you notice a new mole that looks unusual , a mole that has changed in its appearance , a sore that doesn't heal , or a spot on your skin that bleeds or becomes itchy .

Speaker 1 8:00

People with fair skin or a family history of skin cancer or a history of sunburns are at higher risk and may benefit from regular professional skin checks , usually annually or more frequent , if recommended , let's

When to See a Dermatologist

Speaker 1 8:17

bring it home . Your skin tells a story . It reflects your habits , your environment and your health , and with a little bit of effort , daily SPF , monthly self-checks and yearly doctor's visits you can make sure that it stays a healthy story . Remember sunscreen isn't just for the beach , it's for every day . Skin cancer is common , but it's preventable and early detection of skin cancer can save your life . If you take one thing from today , let it be this Respect your skin , treat it with care , show it some love and wear your sunscreen . Thanks for spending today with me . I hope you liked this episode , I hope you learned something new and I hope you feel motivated to do a self-check and get yourself in to see your dermatologist . Don't forget to subscribe to the Employee Wellness Wellcast for more real conversations about your health and about your wellness . Stay safe , stay protected and don't forget

Episode Closing & Call to Action

Speaker 1 9:27

your sunscreen . Bye .