We are huge advocates for creating AWARENESS to anything that can save your life (or improve it). And as today is Melanoma Monday, we felt it important to shed some light. The American Academy of Dermatology has set aside this day, the first Monday in May, as an awareness campaign during National Melanoma Month to raise awareness about skin cancer.

Now for some education. According to Cancer.Org, Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control. Melanoma is much less common than some other types of skin cancers. But melanoma is more dangerous because it’s much more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early. 

Most skin cancers start in the top layer of skin, called the epidermis. There are 3 main types of cells in this layer:

• Squamous cells: These are flat cells in the upper (outer) part of the epidermis, which are constantly shed as new ones form.
• Basal cells: These cells are in the lower part of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer. These cells constantly divide to form new cells to replace the squamous cells that wear off the skin’s surface. As these cells move up in the epidermis, they get flatter, eventually becoming squamous cells.
• Melanocytes: These are the cells that can become melanoma. They normally make a brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its tan or brown color. Melanin protects the deeper layers of the skin from some of the harmful effects of the sun.

The epidermis is separated from the deeper layers of skin by the basement membrane. When a skin cancer becomes more advanced, it generally grows through this barrier and into the deeper layers.

Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the melanocytes. Other names for this cancer include malignant melanoma and cutaneous melanoma. Most melanoma cells still make melanin, so melanoma tumors are usually brown or black. But some melanomas do not make melanin and can appear pink, tan, or even white.

Hopefully this awareness encourages you to be more proactive with your skin health. Applying SPF, daily, is an essential step for healthy skin! And we think this should be part of your daily routine. Accessibility is key to remembering to apply, so have some available in multiple locations! I have SPF in my daily skincare collection. At my front door for convince as we run in and out of the house. In all vehicles. In my purse, etc. This helps ensure I’m not missing this critical step in my skincare routine!

Quality matters when it comes to skincare, as your skin is actually your body’s largest organ!  We offer two high-quality SPF products that we wanted to share with you.

☀️For your Body:

Cellular Laboratories De-Aging Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ contains a comprehensive blend of four active sunscreen ingredients that protect against UVA and UVB rays, in conjunction with the antioxidants vitamin E and green tea extract, which condition skin to maintain a youthful, vibrant glow for your face and body.

• Antioxidants and extracts increase moisture retention for smoother-looking skin
• Absorbs quickly and leaves no residue; comfortable to wear
• Ideal for all skin types
• Paraben-free formula

Featuring four active sunscreen ingredients protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays that can cause burning, reddening and pre-mature aging.

1. Teprenone. This unique, comprehensive ingredient helps fight against the appearance of the visible signs of aging, significantly improving the look of the skin’s surface, for a smoother, more uniform appearance.
2. Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) is a form of vitamin E, which is a family of related compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. The vitamin E family is well known for its antioxidant capabilities, thus supporting the skin’s natural condition by fighting oxidative free radicals.
3. Honeysuckle Flower, Jujuba Fruit, and Licorice Root Extract.  These natural plant-derived ingredients have soothing properties that might help protect and soothe the skin, leaving it looking softer, smoother, and nicely conditioned.
4. Green Tea Extract. Green tea extracts are rich in natural plant antioxidants, the catechins being the best known. Because of their well-known antioxidant properties, green tea extracts are used in cosmetic products to help condition the skin and help protect it from environmental stresses, thus helping support a youthful-looking complexion. 

🌤For your Face: 

Lumière de Vie® Daily Brightening Broad Spectrum SPF 50, the essential your skin can’t live without. Protect and care for the skin with this silky, fast-absorbing crème that provides high protection from UVA and UVB exposure while soothing, brightening and evening skin tone.

• Four active sunscreen ingredients protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays that can cause burning, reddening and pre-mature aging
• Ideal for skin types especially sensitive to burning as SPF 50 provides high level protection against sunburn 
• Brightens and evens skin tone for a healthier more radiant-looking complexion
• Helps reduce the appearance of dark spots
• Helps protect and soothe the skin
• Smooths, softens and moisturizes the skin
• Paraben Free

Click here to learn more, read reviews or purchase!