An entrepreneurial skin cancer surgeon has launched a new business this month that combines her passion for her industry, with her desire to make a dent in the ever-increasing skin cancer statistics, alongside her commitment to supporting a vital charity in her field, Melanoma UK.
With statistics highlighting that skin cancer rates continue to soar in the UK with malignant melanoma killing 6 people every day, * it’s said that treating skin cancers will cost the NHS up to £465 million a year by 2025. Consultant dermatologist & skin cancer surgeon, Dr. Natalia Spierings is determined to try and fight against these rising figures, especially as research shows that 86% of skin cancer is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation and, therefore, preventable.**
Having spent the last 10 years seeing the horrific effects of skin cancer, UK-trained consultant dermatologist Dr Spierings is passionate about contributing to an industry that can help offer prevention – that of the spray tan. This week she is the first to bring the highly-respected and well-loved American spray tan brand, Blushtan, exclusively to the UK, launching the exclusive studio in Headingley, and, partnering with Melanoma UK, she is committed to raising vital funds through the business.
Blushtan is a a hypoallergenic, organic spray tan that creates a natural-looking golden glow without the sun – a brand that was created by a fellow American, actually from the town in the States that Dr Spierings’ lived in as a teenager, and one that is a hit with Insta influencers globally.
Natalia said: “My entire career is focused on the diagnosis and management of skin cancer. We all know that prevention is better than cure. We know that one of the direct causes of skin cancer is sun exposure and that sunbed use could potentially be a contributing factor in the steadily increasing incidence of skin cancer in the UK. I have tried to use this fact to warn my patients about the dangers of sun exposure and I have often suggested that they get a spray tan instead, but I was always unable to suggest a spray tan that I actually liked or used myself. I have been trying out spray tans for years, but they were never quite right – either the colour was off or it didn’t wear well or the smell lingered far longer than I was happy with.”
Dr Spierings said: “It was in my hometown of Boston, Massachusetts where I first used Blushtan before a holiday and I was so impressed with the results that when I returned to England I contacted the founder to arrange a meeting. It transpired that she and I had grown up in the same town and I knew this was a sign! Thankfully she decided that as a consultant dermatologist I was the best person to bring this pioneering brand to the UK to help provide a safe alternative to sun tanning and sunbed use and I’m very excited to do so”.
Natalia’s flagship Blushtan studio in Headingley, Leeds is the only UK salon to offer this spray tanning service.
“As a consultant dermatologist, my focus is helping my patients achieve healthy, glowing skin. Providing a great alternative to the sun and to sunbeds is so important to me and that’s why I am so passionate about Blushtan. A luxury spa experience, natural, skin-friendly solutions and a positive body image all wrapped into one – that’s the Blushtan concept.”
