Did you know May is Melanoma Awareness Month?

Melanoma and skin cancer awareness are near and dear to our hearts. Our story began when Chris (our CEO & Founder) was living in Southern California and his parents were both diagnosed with melanoma. Inspired by the healthy California lifestyle around him, he wanted an effective, organic sunscreen that felt nice enough to use everyday. When he couldn't find what he was looking for, COOLA was born.

Since many of us are still at home this May, two of our local dermatologists Dr. Thomas and Dr. Dupree from the Encinitas North County Dermatology Center, were kind enough to share some insight around skin health and melanoma awareness. They even shared with us how to do a "self-check" at home! Read on to find out how: 

Tips on what to look for and how can you do a self-check at home?
"Keep it simple, once a month when getting in or out of the shower is a great time. Stand in front of a mirror and use a hand held mirror to see the areas on your back.  Be systematic following a pattern so you don't miss any areas, eg. head-to-toe, remember to check underarms and between the toes.  Better yet get a friend or family member to help you check your back side.  Ask you hairdresser or barber to look for suspicious moles or lesions on your scalp.  Report any changing moles, new growths, scaly areas, red areas or any unrecognized skin changes to your dermatologist."

How often should you be getting screenings?
"Your dermatologist will recommend the frequency of routine skin checks based on your skin type, exposure history, family history and whether you have previously had any abnormal moles or skin cancers. At  a minimum you should be checked at least once a year."

Any surprising or interesting facts around skin cancer and sun protection? 
"Remember, one bad sunburn as a child doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer."

Why do you love COOLA?
"We love COOLA because it feels wonderful on your skin. We are passionate about skin cancer prevention and sun defense because prevention really works and the best sunscreen is the one that you will use. That is largely determined by how it feels on your skin.  Our patients love the way COOLA feels on their skin and how well it works.  Our patients are active people enjoying the outdoors and many are surfers or swimmers.  They appreciate COOLA being reef-safe and environmentally friendly too."