La Roche-Posay #SKINCHECKER Campaign

Hello!   Today’s post is about a campaign that I want you all to know about – the #SKINCHECKER campaign from La Roche-Posay.

As a person covered in more moles than skin, I am very conscious about my risk of melanoma.   I regularly check my own moles for signs of change, and as I have had a few melanoma scares in the past, I wanted to share the campaign with you.

The #SKINCHECKER Campaign

The #SKINCHECKER campaign is aiming to raise awareness of melanoma, and encourage people to check their moles, and also the moles of their loved ones.

Melanoma is the only cancer visible to the naked eye and when diagnosed early enough, 90% of cases can be treated effectively.  Melanoma is the 9th common cancer in Europe , with 100,000 new cases diagnosed in Europe alone in 2012 .   Research carried out on behalf of La Roche-Posay has shown that “ only 3% of UK respondents have their moles checked by a dermatologist at least once a year and only 32% have been checking their own moles annually”.

However, La Roche-Posay found that a   massive 73% of the people surveyed claim to do more for the health of their loved ones than for their own health.  With this in mind, the #SKINCHECKER campaign was born.

What to Look For and Where to Check:

La Roche-Posay advise that you should examine your whole body from top to toe.   Check your face, neck, chest and hips.  Get a #SKINCHECKER (i.e. a friend, family member or loved one) to look at areas you can’t see such as your scalp, ears and back.  You need to examine your arms and legs and even the soles of your feet and in between your toes.   I’m sure the creative types amongst yourselves can come up with a fun game to play with your boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife *nudge nudge* *wink wink*

I would recommend the ABCDE Guide to checking your moles:

A symmetry: Are the two halves of the area different in shape?

B order: Are the edges of the area irregular or blurred?

C olour: Is the colour uneven?  Are there different shades of black, brown and pink?

D iameter:  Has the mole grown in size?  Has it become raised, or changed shape?  Most melanomas are at least 6mm in diameter.  Any change in size, shape or diameter must be reported to your doctor.

E xpert – if in doubt, check it out! If your GP is concerned about your skin, they can refer you to a consultant dermatologist via the NHS.

How To Stay Safe in the Sun:

Always use sunscreen!  A minimum of SPF 30 is recommended.   Look for sunscreen that protects you against UVA and UVB rays.  Apply all over, and reapply every two hours, especially if you have been in water.  If you have been in water, you need to reapply immediately after you have dried off.

Keep yourself well covered, and stay in the shade.  Whilst most people remember to wear a comfortable t-shirt, they often forget about hats, to protect against sunstroke, and sunglasses, to protect against eye strain.  I’ve had sunstroke before… it’s bloody horrible!

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Range:

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios range has been specifically designed with sensitive skin in mind.  They have been working for nearly 30 years to formulate products for every skin type and every level of sun exposure.   The Anthelios range was one of the first brands to offer effective sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Now, La Roche-Posay are aiming to tackle the damage caused by UVA rays with their new formulations.   Long UVA rays make up 75% of UV radiation reaching earth, and are present all year round.  They generate free radicals which provoke irreversible damage within the skin such as reduced immune defences, the formation of skin cancers, hyper-pigmentation, irregular skintone, wrinkles and fine lines.  The new additions to the Anthelios range, such as the Anthelios Comfort Cream and BB Tined Comfort Cream, harnesses the power of Baicalin, an anti-oxidant that has been clinically proven to provide reinforced protection against the effect of UVA rays, including long UVA.

I have been trialling the Anthelios XL SPF 50 Comfort Cream for a few weeks now, and whilst I cannot offer you a full review, I can say that I have found it a light, comfortable facial SPF that does not leave any white marks on the face.   My makeup applies well on top of it and I have not suffered any reaction or irritation, unlike other high facial SPFs I have tried in the past.  I will be sure to check out the rest of the Anthelios range, particularly the SPF50+ Protective Oil for protecting other parts of my body such as my arms, legs and back this summer.

Will you be a #SKINCHECKER for yourself, and a loved one?

Dannie x