Here comes the sun...

...and with it melanoma awareness campaigns which bring forth the risks associated with sun exposure and the link with potential cancer development as well as how you can examine yourself better. The month of May is dedicated to Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness hence Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre, in collaboration with its team of dermatologists and SkinCeuticals, is offering a number of free consultations for mole assessment throughout May in the light of the importance of early detection and prevention of melanoma.

Melanoma is the most common skin cancer which arises from melanocytes, a type of cells located in the basal layer of the outer skin, which stimulate the tanning process when exposed to UV rays. Aggressive forms of this type of cancer can metastasize to any organ in the body, hence the importance of early detection.

The effects of sun exposure are cumulative, hence every exposure adds to damage caused to the skin which even though it may not be visible at a young age, it is still potentially harmful. A combination of factors such as depletion of the ozone layer, more skin revealing fashion and tanning beds gaining popularity have led to a significant rise in melanoma cases over the past years, even locally.

The following points to help protect your skin from the sun cannot be stressed enough:

• seek shade and avoid the sunniest hours of the day, roughly between 11.00 and 16.00. 
• when outdoors, try to protect your skin as much as possible, wearing a hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers you skin. 
• use a high factor broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF50+) throughout the year. In the summer months it is important to re-apply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours throughout the day when exposed to the sun. 

Lately, the incorporation of antioxidants plus sunscreen in our skin care regime is starting to get more importance as benefits include an increase in protection against UV and IRA rays. Recent studies show that IRA (infra red radiation) is also responsible for skin’s photo-damaging effects, hence modern sun protection should include filters, that provide IRA protection as well. Whereas sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB radiation from the outside, antioxidants work from the inside, protecting against free radicals formation and DNA damage to skin caused by UV & IRA rays. Studies show that even the best sunscreen, when applied, offers up to 55% protection against UV damage, but when combined with a powerful and well-formulated antioxidant, protection levels rise even up to 98%. For this reason, Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre is giving a free sunscreen with every purchase of one of the SkinCeuticals Anti-Oxidant products. You will also be helping a noble cause as 5% from all SkinCeuticals sales made during 2015, will be donated to Hospice Malta at the end of the year.

Self examination is also a very important factor in the early detection of melanoma that is not to be overlooked. A popular method is the ABCDE method where A stands for Asymmetry in shape, B is for Border irregularity, C is for Colour difference, D is for Diameter (large > 6mm) and E is for Evolution that marks a change over-time.

‘Dermatologists world-wide insist that there’s nothing healthy about a sun tan, therefore through this campaign, we hope more people will become aware of the dangers of unprotected or inadequately-protected sun exposure’, says Kate Demanuele, General Manager of Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre. ‘Prevention and early detection measurements of skin cancer, can save lives, therefore we hope this campaign will have its needed impact on people’s lifestyle and their skin health.’

For more information about Persona's melanoma awareness campaign check out their website, Facebook page or contact them on 21340366 or info@persona.com.mt. Products can also be purchased via the website.