When treating the skin the esthetician touches it. The way the skin feels can tell a lot besides if you're hot or cold. Is the skin smooth or are there bumps? Is it thin or thick in some places? Are there warm spots and cold spots? Is it lax or firm? Is it dry, chapped, oily? Any changes since the last time?
Then there's that 7x magnifyer to see all those tiny imperfections.
There have many times when I have noticed something that is not quite right on the skin. My line is, "I'm no doctor, but you might want to have that looked at by a dermatologist". Generally, my clients report that I spotted a pre-cancerous growth that was easily removed.
You may have heard, sun exposure is the major skin cancer risk factor. All of the studies show that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the major factor in skin cancer. 2/3rds of melanomas are the result of excessive exposure to sunlight. That statistic increases the fairer the skin and the lighter the eyes.
There are 3 kinds of ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun, UVA, UVB, UVC. These rays vary by wavelength, depth of skin penetration, and intensity.
UVA accounts for 95% of the ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth. UVB is responsible for 5%. UVC is filtered out by the (albeit disappearing) ozone layer. Studies have proven that both UVA and UVB rays cause cancer. So the risk is to all UV exposure.
Research demonstrates that childhood sun exposure is a major cause factor in adult melanoma.
There are two types of skin cancer: carcinoma and melanoma.
Carcinoma is the most common and the least serious accounting for 90% of all skin cancer. Carcinomas generally appear on exposed parts of the body and are usually the result of excessive exposure to the sun over a lifetime. The basal cell carcinoma develops slowly and remains localized. However, wquamous cell carcinoma, the 2nd most common form of skin cancer; this cancer could spread to other organs if not taken care of quickly.
Carcinomas are easily cured. Early detection requires a simple surgical procedure. However, failure to take action could make major surjury necessary.
Melanoma is less common than carcinoma and is the most serious type of skin cancer. A tiny tumor can rapidly reproduce to create a life-threatening condition. This disease can occur to anyone of any age and can be located anywhere on the body. It is frequently found on the trunk in men and legs in women.
Melanoma manifests in 2 ways: Change in a mole or a small spot of pigment on healthy skin. If found early (not too thick) it usually can be removed under local anesthesia. When not diagnosed soon enough, it is often fatal.
So, wear a sunscreen daily. It needs to go on the face, back of the neck, ears, neck and chest. Wear a wide brimmed hat. Wear sunscreen on the body - daily. Cover the hands when driving or riding. Get your skin checked. Get monthly facial treatments - checking your skin is a side benefit that could save your life!
