#NationalSafeSunWeek is observed the week before Memorial Day each year as Americans prepare to enjoy the warm weather season. Raising awareness about safe sun exposure practices will ensure everyone is able to enjoy the outdoors without harm.
Piz Buin 65th Anniversary Sun Cream image courtesy of Pix Buin.
Safe Sun History:
3100 B.C.: Ancient Egyptians use rice bran and jasmine to protect their skin.
1804 C.E.: Dr. René Laennec (who invented the stethoscope) recognizes that skin lesions are caused when cancer cells spread from an initial tumor site.
1946 C.E.: Chemistry student Frank Greiter and his wife Marga, a trained beautician, develop Piz Buin "Gletscher Creme" after he receives a burn climbing in the Alps. It is one of the earliest commercially available sunscreens using the SPF designations and is still available today!
2019 C.E.: New research has investigated potential surgery-free treatment called "high dose rate brachytherapy" which inserts a tiny seed of radioactive material for a very brief period to destroy melanomas.
National Safe Sun Week FAQs:
What does a cancerous mole look like?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, follow the ABCDE Screening Check Protocol. If you see any of these signs, its best to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Asymmetry: if the two different halves of the mole do not match.
Border: if the mole's border is irregular or ragged.
Color: if you can see multiple different or uneven colors on the mole.
Diameter: if the mole's diameter is very large -- 6 mm (0.2 inches) or more.
Evolution: if the mole is changing in size, color or shape.
Why should I wear sunglasses?
The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests that no matter your age, the time of year or location, you should safeguard your eyes every time you go outside.
UVA and UVB radiation produces DNA changes that can lead to sun cancer on eyelids and premature aging of the delicate skin around your eyes.
Other sun-related eye conditions include: Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Keratitis (corneal sunburn), Conjunctival Cancers (eye cancer).
Sunglasses should be worn year-round when outdoors. Choose shades which block 99% or greater UVA & UVB light. Wear hats of tightly-woven fabric with 3-inch brims for further face and eye protection.
For more sun-safety tips, check out our social media posts observing #NationalSafeSunWeek on Instagram @ViHiveHighlandsRanch and Facebook.
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