Sunscreen not only for Summer –  Safeguard your Skin during Winter

As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, the sunny days of summer start to feel like a distant memory.  Barbeques and bikinis get packed away but all too often the sunscreen follows suit. While we all know the importance of slathering up for an afternoon at the beach, wet winter days mean we aren’t as vigilant during the colder months.

MoleMap Director and Dermatologist, Dr Mark Gray, says that “Wearing sunscreen all year round is essential to prevent melanoma. It is the second most common cancer found in women aged between 25 and 44 years. People need to be aware that skin cancers don’t happen overnight. They are a build-up of years of UV radiation exposure which is present 12 months of the year. Melanoma diagnoses have increased in females by 13.7% between 1997 and 2007 so sunscreen needs to be worn daily and mole checks need to be done regularly.”

Dr Gray says that catching skin irregularities or changes in moles in the early stages are the best chance of cure.

“Nearly all skin cancers can be cured if detected early enough so ensuring you have annual checkups could save your life.”

He also recommends using a high SPF sunscreen to guard against UV rays which should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. As it allows the UVR filtering ingredients to settle, dry and form a protective barrier on the skin. For more information on melanoma and early detection visit www.molemap.co.nz.