Enjoying the sun feels wonderful, but too much sun can lead to terrible skin damage. But of all the risks of the sun, maybe the most critical is skin cancer. It’s the most prevalent type of cancer, but one of the most preventable. Prevention means protecting your skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays and getting regular skin cancer screenings to catch any warning signs early.
This blog will walk you step by step through simple and effective ways to defend your skin against the sun and lower your risk for skin cancer. Whether you stay in the sun a lot or less, here are the tips.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
The primary risk for skin cancer is the exposure to UV radiation. The sun provides the rays of UV radiation and also artificial sources such as tanning beds. UV rays cause damage to the DNA in the skin cells, and with time it may turn malignant.
There are three principal forms of skin cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma (most dangerous type)
All of these can be traced to too much exposure to the sun. Daily protection of your skin is the best way to lower your risk.
1. Use Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is your first line of defense. Choose one that is labeled broad-spectrum, i.e., that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure that it has at least SPF 30.
Slather it on all areas of skin exposed to the sun, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating or in the water. Don’t miss spots like your ears, neck, and tops of your feet.
If you wear makeup, apply a moisturizer or foundation with SPF incorporated.
2. Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are not safer than the sun. They actually put your skin in contact with intense UV rays, which are even more dangerous. The World Health Organization has even classified tanning devices as a carcinogen, an agent that causes cancer. Using them makes you more vulnerable to all forms of skin cancer, particularly if you start young.
Bottle tan is a more healthy means of achieving the sun-kissed appearance without needing to cause damage to your skin.
3. Stay Under Shade
The sun emits its rays most powerfully between the hours of 10am and 4pm Try to get as much shade as you can during this time. You can use trees, buildings, and umbrellas to shelter yourself. If you are already outdoors at the park or beach, get a sunshade or tent.
Even when you are in the shade, it is still a good idea to use sunscreen, since UV light can reflect off surfaces such as sand, water, or concrete.
4. Use Protective Clothing
Protective clothing can also give you good protection against the sun. Use long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts that are made of closely woven fabric. Dark colors will give more protection than light colors.
Some clothing is designed with sun protection in mind and contains an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). A UPF 50 allows 1 out of 50 UV rays to reach your skin.
Also, cover the face, ears, and neck with a wide-brimmed hat. Caps won’t cover your neck and ears, so wear a scarf or just remain in the shade.
5. Protect Your Eyes
UV rays will also harm your eyes and the skin around them. Prolonged exposure may cause cataracts or skin cancer in the vicinity of the eyes.
Protect your eyes with 100 percent UV-blocking sunglasses. Choose ones marked as UV400 or polarized for full protection. Wraparound frames give extra protection than standard frames.
6. Be Cautious Near Water, Snow, and Sand
Water, snow, and sand reflect the sun’s rays and increase your chance of sunburn. If you’re skiing, swimming, or just walking on the beach, take extra steps to protect yourself. Apply sunscreen often, wear protective clothing, and take breaks in the shade.
Even on cloudy or cold days, UV rays travel to your skin. Snow reflects as much as 80 percent of UV rays, so sunburn cannot be escaped even in winter.
7. Check Your Skin Each Month
Early-detected skin cancer may save your life. Each month, perform a whole body check in a brightly lit room in front of a mirror. Look for new moles, or freckle, mole, or bump changes.
Use the ABCDE signs of melanoma:
- A for Asymmetry: One side will not match the other
- B for Border: Strange or fuzzy edges
- C for Color: Different colors or mottled coloring
- D for Diameter: Bigger than a pencil eraser
- E for Evolving: Growing bigger, getting a different shape, or getting a different color
If you see something strange, consult a dermatologist right away.
8. Shield Children Early On
Children’s skin is more vulnerable to UV. Shielding their skin early can save them from issues later on. Dress them in cover-ups, apply sunscreen on babies over six months, and bring babies into the shade.
Habituate sun safety early so children develop the habits early in life.
Last Words
Skin cancer is preventable to a great extent. By sticking to appropriate sun protection practices, you can be safely outdoors and minimize your risk. Apply sunscreen every day, cover up, stay in the shade, and avoid tanning beds.
Your skin is permanent. Invest in it each day, not just in summer or near the beach. Wearing sunscreen on your skin is not a summer trend but a year-round obligation. And if there’s ever any question, always get your dermatologist to make sure it’s healthy.