May is designated as Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a critical period to educate the public about the dangers of sun damage and the importance of skin protection. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with over 100,000 cases diagnosed annually. The majority of these cases are attributable to sun exposure, making awareness and preventive measures crucial for reducing the incidence of this potentially deadly disease.
As we navigate the complexities of skin cancer and melanoma awareness, from recognising symptoms to seeking treatment, PLIM stands as an accessible path to empowerment. Whether you're a patient seeking preventive care or treatment, or a medical aesthetics clinic aiming to enhance your services, PLIM's accessible payment solution bridges the gap between need and accessibility.
In this blog post, we'll explore how interest-free finance through PLIM can help patients split costs, making vital treatments more accessible and maintaining cash flow control. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have gained popularity in recent years, allowing consumers to purchase goods and services and pay for them in installments over time. PLIM Finance takes this concept a step further by specifically catering to the aesthetic medical sector, ensuring that critical treatments, such as those for skin cancer and melanoma, are within reach for more people.
The Dangers of Sun Damage and Exposure:
Sun exposure, particularly to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is the leading cause of skin cancer. UV radiation is divided into two main types: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are primarily responsible for aging and long-term skin damage, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and direct DNA damage in skin cells. Both types contribute to the development of skin cancer.
Statistics highlight the seriousness of sun damage:
- According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma incidence rates have increased by 140% in the UK since the early 1990s.
- 1 in 5 people in the UK will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- It’s estimated that 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
The Role of SPF in Protecting the Skin:
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. SPF does not measure UVA protection, but broad-spectrum sunscreens provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Here's how SPF works:
- SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays.
- SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
- SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended by dermatologists. Reapplication every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, is crucial for maintaining protection. Sunscreen should be used in conjunction with other sun-protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours.
Understanding Melanoma:
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, originating in the pigment-producing melanocytes in the skin. While it is less common than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is far more dangerous due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
Early detection of melanoma significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Here is the ABCDE method of detecting the key warning signs:
A= Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
B= Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C= Colour: The colour is not uniform and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
D= Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimetres across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.
E= Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.
The Importance of Regular Skin Checks:
Regular skin checks by a healthcare professional and self-examinations are crucial for early detection of skin cancer. Individuals should perform monthly self-examinations, paying close attention to all areas of the skin, including hard-to-see places like the back, scalp, and soles of the feet.Any new, changing, or unusual spots should be evaluated by a skin specialist promptly.
Professional skin exams are recommended annually or more frequently for those at higher risk, such as individuals with a history of skin cancer, a family history of melanoma, or significant sun exposure or tanning bed use.
Here is a list of some Dermatologist-approved and recommended Brands for Broad-Spectrum SPFs:
Heliocare:
Heliocare 360° is a dermatological daily sun protection range of topical formulations and skin health supplements created by Cantabria Labs – a reputable worldwide dermatology company renowned for innovation and research.
It’s also the only sun protection range that protects skin beyond sunscreen with exclusive, clinically proven Fernblock® antioxidant technology, to help prevent and repair damage to skin health caused by daylight (UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A) and boost skin health. Dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic, this daily sunscreen range has been specifically formulated for everyday use. With products suitable for all skin types, with various coverage levels and finishes, as well as formulations designed to help prevent and reduce the signs and symptoms of key skin concerns.
AlumierMD:
Award-winning Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 40 is a sheer physical sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide while moisturising with vitamin E. This formula is also packed with free-radical-quenching antioxidants, including a stable vitamin C, resveratrol, grape seed extract, and glutathione.
They offer both tinted and un-tinted versions of this product.
La Roche-Posay:
Their Anthelios UVMune range of SPFs offer a lightweight daily sunscreen solution specifically formulated for sensitive skin types. Now enhanced with the exclusive filter MEXORYL400, these products help to protect skin against damage caused by UVA, UVB and ultra-long UVA rays.
Sweat and sand-resistant, the high-protection sun cream creates a lightweight veil on the skin with an invisible, non-greasy finish. It is specifically designed for sensitive skin types and the minimalist formula is ideal for daily use, whether worn alone or under makeup.
ZO Skin Health:
The ZO® Skin Health sun protection portfolio offers scientifically superior sunscreens which shield against UVA and UVB rays, high-energy visible (HEV) blue light, IR-A (infrared) rays and pollution. Specifically their ‘DAILY SHEER BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50’ is a non-greasy, quick drying sunscreen with a sheer matte finish offering broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB rays. Natural melanin shields skin from aging effects of high-energy visible (HEV) light. Water and perspiration resistant, this sunscreen delivers superior protection during outdoor activities while hydrating the skin to prevent dryness as well as being Oxybenzone free. It is engineered with their exclusive 12-hour, time-release complex, to help shield the skin from harmful infrared (IR-A) rays.
Other specific recommended SPFs include:
- CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Provides broad-spectrum protection while moisturising the skin.
- SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Tinted mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and enhances skin tone.
- Galderma Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
Tinted sunscreen with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients.
- Colourescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Convenient powder sunscreen perfect for reapplication throughout the day.
- Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
Offers protection against UVA, UVB, pollution, and blue light.
These sunscreens have been highly recommended by dermatologists and Healthcare Professionals for their effectiveness in providing broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your skin is well-protected from the harmful effects of sun exposure.
PLIM: Your Partner in Care and Confidence
For patients, protecting, preventing and addressing skin cancer concerns is often fraught with uncertainty, not least due to concerns about treatment costs. PLIM revolutionises this journey by offering skin treatments buy now, pay later solutions that make it more accessible. With PLIM, you can find and finance your treatment at your local clinic without upfront cost and utilising 0% interest finance.
For clinics, embracing PLIM means not only expanding your clientele but also offering them a compassionate, flexible way to finance their treatment journey. It's a partnership that speaks volumes of your commitment to patient care and satisfaction. Create your profile for your medical aesthetics clinic by signing up via our simple and effective process.
This Melanoma Awareness Month, take the first step towards a confident, healthier you and take back control over finances. Visit the PLIM Marketplace to find your local clinic and discover the support and care that awaits you. Ensure you are taking preventive measures with regular skin checks to join the fight against skin cancer by protecting yourself and loved ones.
