May is Sun Protection & Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Exposure to the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays can prematurely age the skin and cause skin cancer. To remind sun lovers of the potential dangers, May has been declared the national Sun Protection & Skin Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than two million people diagnosed annually. These figures beat the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers. To put it in perspective, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. And 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Premature aging also is an issue for many, particularly women. "Everyone wants that beautiful, bronzed look for summer, but few respect that the long-term consequences far outweigh the short-term benefits of a great tan," says Dr. Roberto Garcia of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery and Reviva Medical Spa near Jacksonville, FL. "We see patients every day who are looking for ways to correct the damage done to their skin over years of sun exposure." For those who already have sun damaged skin, procedures such as chemical peels can help restore a smooth, youthful appearance. And there are many ways to protect skin from sun damage, including wearing a high SPF sun block and moisturizing skin daily, wearing wide-brimmed hats and sun glasses, and seeking out shady spots to enjoy the fresh air. But none of this means that you have to forego that sun-kissed look, Dr. Garcia says. Reviva Medical Spa offers SunFX Spray Tanning, a revolutionary spray tanning system that uses a low-pressure spray to deliver an all-natural tanning solution evenly over the body and face. "Living in a coastal town, people want that healthy glow to their skin," Dr. Garcia says. "SunFX spray tanning can help them achieve that look without subjecting their skin to the dangers of sun exposure."