Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2025

Summer 2025 • 87

Seek Shade During Peak Hours The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon. If you must be outside, find shade under trees, umbrellas or pop-up tents to reduce direct sun exposure. Hydrate and Nourish Your Skin The summer heat can dehydrate your skin, making it more susceptible to damage. Keep your skin healthy by: Drinking plenty of water: Aim for at least eight glasses a day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Eating skin-friendly foods: Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, tomatoes, leafy greens and nuts help protect your skin from sun damage. Using a moisturizer: After sun exposure, apply a soothing lotion with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture. Know the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer change in color or grow quickly. Sores that don’t heal: Any wound or lesion that doesn’t go away within a few weeks should be checked by a doctor. Itchy or bleeding spots: If a mole or patch of skin starts to itch, crust or bleed, get it examined. Protecting your skin doesn’t mean avoiding the sun altogether. It’s all about balance. By using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, staying hydrated and being mindful of sun exposure, you can enjoy the beautiful summer weather while keeping your skin safe and healthy. So go ahead, plan that beach trip, hike that scenic trail and enjoy the sunshine! Just be sure to take care of your skin along the way. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Regularly check your skin for any changes, such as: New moles or spots: Especially ones that are irregular in shape,

HOW MASSAGE THERAPISTS CAN HELP INCREASE SKIN CANCER AWARENESS As a massage therapist, you are in a unique position to see parts of your clients’ bodies that are not easily visible to them, like their back, for example. For clients you see regularly, you might also be one of the first to notice if a mole changes shape or color, or a new spot appears. AMTA has two resources that can keep you updated on how skin cancer occurs, what to look for in your clients and how to talk to them if you notice something suspicious: “Talking to Your Clients About Skin Cancer” is an AMTA continuing education course that walks you through the basics of skin cancer, how to recognize various types of skin lesions and the communication skills you'll need to talk to clients about what is a vulnerable topic. Available for free at amtamassage.org/learn. “Skin Deep: Massage Therapists & Early Detection of Skin Cancer” is a Massage Therapy Journal feature that takes a deeper dive into this topic and gives readers expert information from dermatologist Amanda Friedrichs, M.D. “Only 20 percent of individuals look at their backs to screen for skin cancer on a yearly basis,” Dr. Friedrichs says. “Many aren’t ever examined by a physician. You have the unique opportunity to view these areas and help detect skin cancers at their earliest stages, and early detection saves lives.” Read now at amtamassage.org/mtj.

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