19 May 2009 - 17:29“Reflect” on the need to protect your skin from sun damage

The Spa at Charleston Place and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) have partnered again to help local residents avoid the very real threat of melanoma. I Will Reflect (IWR) raises awareness and funds for melanoma prevention. Special materials and unique bracelets that change color in sunlight help locals ‘reflect’ on the need to protect their skin.

Why? Because of the coastal location of the Charleston area, many residents are exposed to the sun on a daily basis and many people are not properly protecting their skin. The incidence of melanoma continues to rise significantly, at a rate faster than that of any of the seven most common cancers (source: melanoma.com). The survival rate for patients, whose melanoma is detected early, before the tumor has penetrated the epidermis, is about 99%. The survival rate falls to 15% for those with advanced disease (source: melanoma.com)

There are several ways to “reflect:”

• Wear an “I Will Reflect” bracelet, which glows purple when the wearer’s skin is exposed to dangerous sun rays. Bracelets will be sold at The Spa at Charleston Place and MUSC for $3, and serve as a reminder to reflect on the need to protect skin on a daily basis. All proceeds will be donated to the MUSC Foundation’s Department of Dermatology
• Pamper yourself with two luxury “I Will Reflect” treatments and The Spa at Charleston Place will donate 10% of the cost to MUSC. These treatments combine an indulgent facial or massage with sun safety tips, skin checks and sunscreen gifts.
• Enjoy a 25% discount on a specialty suncare treatment when wearing an “I Will Reflect” bracelet.
• Share the message of skin protection with family and friends by wearing an “I Will Reflect” bracelet.
• Wear sunscreen year round using a minimum of SPF 15.
• Seek shade between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Schedule an annual full-body skin check with a dermatologist.