The spa world has always embraced differences in bodies and beliefs, colors and cultures, treatments and traditions. In fact, many spas today reflect the diversity that has built the industry (see “Worldly Wisdom” in the May issue of DAYSPA and on dayspamag.com). However, as we honor our differences we must never lose sight of our numerous similarities. We all have skin, and we’re all vulnerable to the environmental forces that affect it.

Perhaps the most dramatic example of this fact is the effect of global warming, to which no one is immune. A United Nations report issued this year from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says that the warming of the climate system will continue for centuries and that this phenomenon will likely speed up depletion of the ozone layer that protects and maintains the earth’s environment.

The potential results include havoc on human skin as overexposure to unshielded UVB radiation leads to burns, premature aging, photo-allergies and various types of skin cancer.

As a skincare professional, are you ready to address the increase in these serious conditions? May is the American Academy of Dermatology’s (aad.org) Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, so there’s no better time to step up your efforts to educate spa clients on the basics of sun protection: minimizing exposure time; wearing hats and sunglasses; and, of course, using quality sunscreen products frequently and generously. Technological advancements are making these products more effective than ever. Ask your skincare product vendors how they’re incorporating this technology into their sunscreen offerings so you can make sure you’re giving your clients all the protection you can.

DAYSPAMAG.com

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