Why SkinVision might be just the thing you need with this weather
We at DutchReview love a little bit of Dutch ingenuity and this innovative app called SkinVision is the next hot thing we wanted to share with you. Especially since with this sunny weather in the Netherlands we are having right now, it’s more important than ever to stay safe in the sun!
Hate to be all serious on DutchReview, BUT did you know that Melanoma is the most common type of cancer among millennials? Since a lot of our readers are millennials, this article is of particular importance to you (and anyone else for that matter), read on!
So, what is SkinVision?
SkinVision helps people see the possible signs of skin cancer on their mobiles. Every single one of us has at least one mole that may change over time, sometimes without you even noticing. SkinVision assists you with determining whether it’s time for a trip to the doctors to get them properly checked out.
Melanoma skin cancer has high fatality rates, especially when detected too late. Non-melanoma skin cancer is not as fatal as melanoma but is still pretty deadly – mainly because it’s something that you just don’t always notice. SkinVision ensures that you are aware of the risks, allows you to check the spots on your skin and then notifies you to get anything dodgy sorted out right away. With 1 in 3 diagnosed cancers being of the skin cancer category (either melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer), it’s quite literally a potentially life-saving app on your phone and it’s revolutionary.
How does it work?
As we said before, SkinVision is an app that you download onto your smartphone. The life-saving-app uses AI-powered algorithms to check the risk of a skin spot. Through using machine learning technology, the app becomes smarter when more people use it.
It might sound complicated, but really isn’t when it comes to using it. When you open the app it firsts let you take a photograph of your mole. 30 seconds later it shows a ‘risk assessment’ – this means that it shows you how risky the mole looks. This is measured with low, medium or high-risk.
If you have a high-risk mole, you can get free and confidential advice from their own dermatologists. And don’t worry, it’s all clinically approved technology.
What’s more, your photos can be secured easily on the app, so you can keep an eye on any changes (this also can be used to show your doctor in case a checkup is needed). The app also allows you to set reminders on your phone so you remember to do your mole/skin checks.
To see for yourself how to use it, watch this short clip
Where do I get it?
You can download the app from the usual app stores such as Google Play and iTunes – just search for it in your app stores and hit download! Or to make it easier, click here to download it right away.
Skin cancer and the Netherlands
Skin cancer has continued to rise in the Netherlands (by about 7% every year) and has one of the largest fatality rates of any other cancer. I think we get a bit confident when we are out and about in the Netherlands because most of the time it’s cloudy and our summers are so incredibly unpredictable. I’m also guilty of going out without suncream on, which quickly changed when I ended up having to get a mole cut out a couple of years ago.
Just as I was writing this article, my friend came up behind me and said “what a brilliant idea for your own peace of mind! I know so many people who become obsessed with checking skin and moles and they don’t have anything or anywhere to go to for reference – unless you went to the doctors consistently.” And that’s so true. Of course, it’s great to be checking your moles and this can make it a million times easier to do that, but giving you peace of mind at the same time. That’s especially true for people like me, who has had one scare too many.
Watch this heartwarming story to see how it saved a woman’s life.
The app as also made the news on multiple occasions for similar reasons.
Tips on how to stay safe in the sun
- Download SkinVision and start checking your skin! (obviously)
- Apply a high-factor sunscreen (a factor 10 just won’t do on this occasion), even if you are only outside for 5 minutes THEN reapply it often.
- Try to avoid being outside in the hottest part of the day (generally from 11 am – 3 pm).
- Sit in the shade where possible (it’s hot enough to do that anyway).
- Make sure to wear a hat (your head is made out of skin too!)
- Stay hydrated – not only does your skin need looking after, but your body too.
- If a tan is what you’re after, ditch the sun beds and long hours in the sunshine, fake tan is so good nowadays, that it’s just not worth the risk.
It’s hot as hell now guys and the UV rays are in full force, so this is more important than ever!
Do you have any other tips? Let us know in the comments.
