Protecting your skin today. Preserving its health for a lifetime.

Why Prevention Matters in Summit County

Park City's high elevation, snow reflection, and year-round outdoor activities make ultraviolet (UV) protection especially important. UV exposure is a major preventable risk factor for melanoma and other skin cancers.

Local Melanoma Incidence: A Historical Comparison

• Summit County: 60.7 new cases per 100,000 annually
• Utah: 40.8 new cases per 100,000 annually

Age-adjusted melanoma incidence for 2018 to 2020 shows Summit County approximately 49% higher than the Utah statewide rate. Summit County's 2024 Community Health Assessment reported 33 new melanoma cases in 2022. These are historical incidence figures (new diagnoses), not current prevalence or 2026 estimates. [1, 2]

Why Our Mountain Environment Matters

• Elevation increases UV intensity because there is less atmosphere to filter radiation.
• Snow reflects UV, so protection matters during winter sports.
• Outdoor activity adds up. Skiing, hiking, golf, cycling, and other time outdoors all add to UV exposure.
• UV damage accumulates. It can contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer risk.

Skin Conserv's Seven Prevention Essentials

1. Wear sunscreen daily. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher. Reapply at least every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating.
2. Protect beyond sunscreen. Choose UPF clothing, sunglasses, hats, and shade, and avoid prolonged exposure during peak UV hours.
3. Remember winter sun. Protect the face, lips, ears, and neck when skiing or spending time on reflective snow.
4. Support the skin barrier. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers with ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to counter mountain dryness. Moisturizer does not prevent melanoma.
5. Support overall health. Eat a varied, nutrient-rich diet, prioritize sleep, avoid smoking, and stay hydrated. These habits support health but do not replace sun protection or establish melanoma prevention.
6. Know your skin. Regularly examine your skin, including the scalp, back, feet, and nails. Watch for changing, bleeding, nonhealing, or unusual spots.
7. Know when to see a dermatologist. Seek prompt assessment for new, changing, or suspicious lesions. Discuss individualized full-body skin checks if you have atypical moles, a personal or family history of melanoma, significant sun exposure, or other risks.

The ABCDE Warning Signs of Melanoma

• A: Asymmetry. One half differs from the other.
• B: Border. Irregular or poorly defined edges.
• C: Color. Multiple or changing colors.
• D: Diameter. Often over 6 mm, but melanoma may be smaller.
• E: Evolving. Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.

Also seek evaluation for a nonhealing sore, a rough scaly patch, or a new growing bump. Routine screening intervals should be individualized; evidence does not support a universal full-body screening schedule for all asymptomatic adults. [3, 4, 5]

A Message From Skin Conserv by Yve

At Skin Conserv by Yve, we believe skin longevity begins with prevention. Our mountain lifestyle is a gift, but it also makes daily UV protection and early recognition of suspicious skin changes essential. Sun protection, thoughtful lifestyle habits, self-examinations, and appropriate dermatology care can make a meaningful difference. Our philosophy goes beyond visible signs of aging to preserving the health, function, and integrity of skin for years to come.

Because beautiful skin begins with healthy skin.

Preservation. Restoration. Skin Longevity.

This article is educational information only and is not a substitute for medical evaluation.

Clinical References

1. Summit County Health Department, 2024 Community Health Assessment
2. Utah Department of Health and Human Services, IBIS-PH community indicators
3. American Academy of Dermatology, How to Prevent Skin Cancer
4. CDC, Reducing Risk for Skin Cancer
5. USPSTF, Skin Cancer Screening Recommendation (2023)
6. American Academy of Dermatology, Melanoma information