It is nearly June but based on Toronto's recent record-breaking temperatures, you would think we were already in the thick of summer. Now is as good a time as any to remind ourselves about the importance of skin care and good sun habits. Time to pull out the shades, hats and sunscreen, especially where kids are concerned. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, 1 in 74 men and 1 in 90 women is expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime. In addition, 1 in 284 men, and 1 in 486 women, will die of it. Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer and, while there is no single cause of melanoma, there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Such risks include sensitivity to the sun and a history of excessive sun exposure.

Earlier this year, I sat down with La Roche-Posay and learned about the importance of good skin habits as well as listened to the story of a skin cancer survivor. Recognized by the medical community, La Roche-Posay, the maker of Ceralip, has been ranked the number one dermatologist recommended skin care brand in Canada. All of their products are suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Their aim is to improve the quality of life for children living with eczema through its 100 families program. You can follow these families as they share their stories, achievements, and learnings via the La Roche-Posay Facebook fan page.

La Roche-Posay is the maker of Anthelios XL with Mexoryl®, the sunscreen filter most recommended by Canadian dermatologists. It offers powerful UVA and UVB protection thanks to its three layers of filters. The first layer contains Titanium Dioxide, which helps to reflect the sun's UV rays and offers strong protection against UVBs. The second layer contains Mexoryl XL, which acts like a sponge and absorbs both UVA and UVB rays without degrading in the sunlight. The third layer contains Octocrylene, an organic UVB filter, Mexoryl SX and Parsol which offer protection against both short and long UVA rays. What I discovered is that not too many sunscreens offer protection against short UVA rays. Why do you want a broad-spectrum formula that protects against both UVA and UVB rays? UVB can cause burning, persistent bronzing and skin cancer. UVA rays can cause allergies, wrinkles, sunspots, photosensitization as well as skin cancer. I have been using Anthelios XL and thoroughly enjoy its ultra-light texture. I also like it since it is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, tested under dermatological control and hypoallergenic. La Roche-Posay continues to expand its specially formulated textures to suit multiple skin types, including Anthelios Dermo-Kids for children's delicate skin.

La Roche-Posay recognizes the need to empower Canadians in the fight against melanoma. With skin cancer making up one third of all new cases of cancer in Canada, dermatologists recommend self-examination and using online resources such as MySkinCheck.ca. The aim of this site is to "make you more aware of what can be done to prevent skin cancer, to help you locate any suspect moles and to encourage you to consult your dermatologist, the only person able to give a definitive diagnosis." La Roche-Posay has received recognition for the educational value of its scientific information made available to the public via MySkinCheck.ca.

La Roche-Posay receives Public Education Award from the Canadian Dermatology Association for educational value and scientific information of the MyskinCheck.ca campaign

Prevention has become a top priority and La Roche-Posay encourages you to join in the fight against melanoma. Visit MySkinCheck.ca to learn about good sun habits, protective clothing, how to evaluate your personal risk level and more.