Dormer Promotes Skin Cancer Awareness Month

At Dormer, we take the health of your skin very seriously. Our line of Dormer® 211 skin care products has been recommended by dermatologists since their introduction because they are effective in caring for your skin.. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and Canada but also the most preventable. We want to take this opportunity to educate our readers and consumers and clarify three common myths about skin cancer.

True or False:

1. I can’t get skin cancer because I rarely participate in outdoor activities. False. Whether you’re outside for a short time or a long time, it’s important to always think about sun protection. You are exposed to UV radiation every time you step outdoors and it adds up over time. This is not just on sunny days. Even on cloudy days, at least 60% of the sun's rays can get through clouds and can damage your exposed skin. Sunrays can pass through windows and also reflect off of water, snow and white sand, increasing your chance of sunburn or skin damage. Sunscreen should be a part of your daily skincare regimen in any weather or season.
2. Indoor tanning is safer than outdoor tanning. False. Any tan is an indication of skin damage. The UV rays that are emitted by sunlamps and tanning beds are just as harmful as the ones you are exposed to by the sun, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer. Advocates of tanning devices argue that because the intensity of UV radiation and the duration of time tanning can be controlled, these devices are less dangerous than the sun but there is no supporting evidence for these claims.
3. Using SPF30 or higher means you can stay out in the sun longer. False. Seeking a high SPF may provide a false sense of security because of the notion that you can abandon all other precautions of protecting your skin. Sunscreen does not block UV rays 100% and just because you’re using a higher SPF does not mean you should use less product, avoid moisturizing or not reapply every two hours. Always read the label of your sunscreen to ensure proper usage or better yet look for a daily moisturizer with SPF protection like our Dormer® 211 SPF15 or SPF30 daily protective moisturizer.

Anyone can get skin cancer no matter his or her age or skin tone. It’s true! The most common signs of skin cancer are changes on your skin such as a change in a mole or a sore that doesn’t heal. Take the time to examine your skin. If there is anything that stands out to you or that you’re unsure of, see your doctor as soon as possible.