DSM was a proud 2022 sponsor of Destination Healthy Skin - enjoy the review with some highlights

DSM was a proud sponsor of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s (SCF) 2022 Destination Healthy Skin —  a mobile RV service that provided free skin cancer screenings from local dermatologists in various cities across the US. DSM partnered with the SCF to Do Something Meaningful to spread awareness of skin cancer and how people can stay safer under the sun through protection and prevention practices like wearing SPF. On top of DSM’s financial support for the initiative, members of the Personal Care team volunteered their time at several screening locations. I attended sessions in Stratford, CT; New York City, NY; Washington, D.C.; Clifton, NJ; Tampa, FL, and Dallas, TX.

I’ll be honest — before volunteering for this initiative, I had never visited a dermatologist and only wore sunscreen for summertime activities like going to the beach or pool. However, my interactions with location brand ambassadors, local hires volunteering and contributing to the program, and people in the community have changed my perspective on the importance of SPF and sunscreen use.

In Stratford CT, I decided to get a full body and face skin cancer screening for myself — a process I found simple and comfortable. While my skin was clear of any concerns, the dermatologist told me that because I’m a person with many birthmarks and moles, I have a higher risk of developing skin cancer from sun exposure and should have annual screenings. I was glad to be in the clear, but this experience showed me how important it is to have a yearly screening, regardless of age. I also realized I need to incorporate SPF in my daily life.

In NYC, I learned about generational differences in attitudes to skin protection and prevention with SPF. One woman who visited the RV mentioned that when she was 17 it was cool to use only baby oil and tin foil to tan — something she now regrets. Many of the men who stopped by seemed timid but mentioned wanting to get screened or expressed concerns about specific spots on their skin. My main takeaway? Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate. Everyone should be screened, especially if they have changed their perspectives on sun tans and the need for protection!

Stop #3, in Washington, D.C, was at a skin health fair, where local dermatologists and dermatology students raised awareness about skin protection and various sunscreen products. The team from DSM Personal Care NA also hosted a roundtable discussion featuring congressional, government, non-profit and industry leaders on skin cancer prevention who explained how sunscreen can help us be #SaferUnderTheSun. The roundtable was held at the Rayburn House Office Building as part of Safer Under the Sun Day. Watch the full event vlog here. 

In Tampa FL (on stop #5), the local ABC News paid us a visit. As well as interviewing the participating local dermatologist, they shared the RV’s location so members of the community could come for screenings themselves! This was very exciting and created a buzz in the neighborhood, as people saw the news segment on TV, and heard about it on local radio.

Last, but not least, was Dallas, TX. Here, I met a shy young man from the US Army who seemed reluctant to be screened. He eventually agreed and turned out to have signs of melanoma — if he hadn’t stopped by at random, he would never have known this. I also came across a group of young women holding umbrellas. Apparently, this is a normal alternative to hats in Texas, given how hot the sun is!

My key insights:

Many people asked if the skin cancer screening was “free”. It was indeed a free service, and this was greatly appreciated — especially by people who don’t have health insurance or whose insurance doesn’t cover skin cancer screenings.

Most people who stopped by had never thought of getting screened before or had been meaning to do so but just hadn’t found time. If they were in a rush, people often asked for future times and dates and then brought more friends and family along for a free screening too. This showed me just what an impact education and support like this can have — as people will go away and spread the word.

At every location we visited, people also called in to share their own or their loved ones’ experiences of skin cancer. They told us how much they appreciate Destination Healthy Skin and how important the program is for their communities.

Overall, this experience in my development program with DSM Personal Care North America has been life changing. I’ve gone from never seeing a dermatologist to finding my own locally, who I will now visit yearly. And rather than only wearing sunscreen in the summer for outdoor activities, I’m incorporating it into my daily life — especially in my skincare and makeup routine. I’m also talking avidly with friends and family about the importance of protecting skin through sunscreen use. I feel great reward in the work we’ve done collectively as DSM Personal Care.  

For more information, visit our landing page here, and follow us on Instagram @dsm_north_america .