Solar Smarts

Whether you redden like a lobster or you tan like a zebra--stripes included--it's important to pay attention to your sun exposure. Even on cloudy days, that fireball is still a threat. Here are some things to remember when you're picnicking, beach-bumming, or strolling in the park.

1.) Avoid direct sun; peeks rays occur between 10 am and 4 pm.

2.) Wear a hat--and sunglasses: UV exposure can worsen a condition called "Post-Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation."  Also know that even radiation entering through your eyes can stimulate the hormone that produces skin pigmentation. Protect those baby blues (or browns...)

3.) Reappy! Sunscreen, regardless of what the label might say, is only effective for up to 2 hours. Be sure to re-apply it diligently.

4.) Chow down on some anti-oxidants. Sound gross? Not so fast: strawberries, pomegranates, and blueberries are all great sources. Try them blended in a smoothie with almond milk.

5.) Also apply anti-oxidants directly to your skin. HYDRATE is a nourishing moisturizer that fits the bill.

When Cancer Stats Don't Convince

Melanoma is the most common form of cancer among young adults: in the past 40 years, it has increased by 800 percent in women and 400 percent in men (Skin Cancer Foundation).

But let's be honest; many young people are of the carpe diem generation—as evidenced by the YOLO campaign—and are primarily concerned with what makes them happy right now. Professor of Public Health, Dr. Hillhouse of Tennessee State University cited a comment from one of his students: "I know I'll probably get skin cancer from tanning, but that will be when I'm old, like in my forties." Hillhouse has realized that statistics—regardless of how shocking they may be—are not effective tools for dissuading young adults from dropping big bucks at tanning salons. They tend to shove them into that nebulous space of "old" age.

So what's his MO? He preys upon the very concept that drives people to tan in the first place: external appearance. Tanning has an impressive collections of ugly, superficial consequences—and Dr. Hillhouse uses them to good effect: he reminds students that fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and brown spots are just a few of the long-term consolation prizes you can expect. That's right: tanning is the gift that keeps on giving.

The ABCs You Never Knew

Sure, you've got down the "A is for apple" routine, but there is another alphabet that you probably haven't heard of—and this one might save your life.

In light of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I thought we'd cover the ABCs of melanoma detection. Wait, let me amend that: the ABCDEs of melanoma detection. It can often be difficult to determine if that spot on your arm is a mole or something more sinister. Hopefully this will help alleviate anxiety.

A is for Asymmetry: A non-cancerous mole will be symmetrical, or identical on both sides. A cancerous—or "malignant"—mole, on the other hand, will not.

B is for Border: The outline, or border, of a melanoma lesion will be rough in appearance.

C is for Color: A malignant lesion will be multicolored, whereas your beauty mark or mole will be a single, probably brown, color.

D is for Diameter: Melanomas, especially at later stages, are larger in size than benign marks.

E is for Evolving: An ordinary mole will stay the same over time; a melanoma will morph, growing larger or changing color, for instance.

Need a visual? This is a side-by-side comparison of a cancerous and non-cancerous skin mark.

What's Up in May?: Your Skin Cancer Awareness!

The school year is rapidly coming to an end--or maybe your semester is already over. Whatever the case, chances are cancer is the last thing on your mind. You're thinking about volleyball, jet-setting to the Bahamas, or scooping ice-cream at your local parlor. But, with the warm, sunny weather, we tend to spend more time outside, increasing our risk--whether we realize it or not--for developing skin cancer.

I don't mean to be a downer. My point is not to equate summer with some doomsday prediction. That's why for May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I'm going to try to adopt a positive perspective. There is a fantastic campaign currently circulating: "Go with Your Own Glow" encourages women--although I think the message could equally target men--to accept their natural complexions.

The ads are pretty witty, too. This one is my favorite:

Another hard-hitting message from the minds behind "Go With Your Own Glow"? 

Want a killer tan?

You might just get one.

Sure, the messages are a little blunt, but in a society that has as many tanning salons as it has 7-11s, it's important to remind people--especially teens--that, just like fashion, skin color also follows trends. Unfortunately, while donning a pair of bell-bottoms might garner some sideways glances as school, this trend could land you in the OR.

Support "Go With Your Own Glow" here.