Take care of your skin in the summer
It's important that we take care of our skin all-year round, but we need to pay it that little bit more of attention during the hotter months and when you're on holiday.
New research has shown that we're sun starved and itching for the warmer weather, but at what price are we willing to get a sun tan?
The Habia Skills Academy (HSA) is asking hair and beauty professionals to remember their ABCDE this summer– the five important steps to identifying skin cancer that can save someone’s life.
The HSA’s Skin Cancer Awareness (SCA) campaign aims to encourage hair and beauty professionals to play their part in identifying the early symptoms of melanoma through their role in working closely with clients.
Public awareness of cancer has never been higher, and yet skin cancer remains the fastest growing cancer in the UK, especially amongst young people. However, the chances of a positive outcome can be dramatically increased if it is caught early.
The five steps of the ABCDE are:
A – Asymmetry: Normal moles or freckles are completely symmetrical
B – Border: A mole or spot with blurry and/or jagged edges
C – Colour: A mole that is more than one hue is suspicious and needs to be evaluated by a doctor
D – Diameter: If it is larger than ¼ inch or 6mm, it needs to be examined by a doctor
E – Elevation: Elevation means the mole is raised above the surface and has an uneven surface.
Habia MD Rob Young said: “Getting people to seek advice and take the symptoms seriously is the most difficult part, but this is where industry professionals can play a valuable role. Staff will not take the job of GPs and doctors, instead they will simply identify what could be potential symptoms and recommend medical advice be sought.”
He added, “Beauty may be only skin deep, but skin cancer is life changing. With the facts about skin cancer at their fingertips this summer, staff will be able to confidently identify symptoms and advise clients to seek appropriate medical guidance.”
Tagged in Health Skin Cancer Sun Protection