7 Ways to Protect Yourself From Skin Cancer
As the most common type of cancer, melanoma skin cancer is diagnosed thousands of times each day. Statistics about the rates of skin cancer are typically referring to melanomas, but squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas are extremely common too. Protecting yourself is the only way to avoid this type of cancer, and it requires an investment in lifestyle changes. Here are seven ways to protect your skin.
Wear Sunscreen
While these seems like the most obvious way to protect your skin, people often apply sunscreen incorrectly or infrequently, which leads to an increased chance of developing skin cancer. Choosing a high SPF and reapplying frequently is critical. Sunscreen on overcast days is required, but most people skip it if it’s not hot and sunny. Wear it daily to develop a habit of skin protection.
Wear More Clothing
When it’s hot, people tend to wear less clothing, which puts more skin in direct sun. Clothing that covers your body can be cool and airy while protecting you from burns and possible skin mutations. Populations that live in desert climates often cover their entire body for a reason. Natural fabrics protect the skin, and they keep you cool.
Wear A Hat
Scalps are vulnerable to being burned by the sun, and it’s an area of the body that you usually can’t check for moles. Wide-brimmed hats come in tons of functional and fashionable styles for your entire family, and they should be a summer staple in your household.
Wear Sunglasses
Skin around the eyes are sensitive, and your corneas are sensitive to sun damage as well. Being in bright sun or high-UV exposure can burn delicate tissues in and around eyes. Avoid cheap sunglasses with minimal protection because they can reflect more UV rays directly into your eyes and onto your skin. Polarized sunglasses with full protection offer the best defense against skin cancer.
Don’t Tan Or Burn
The appearance of tanned skin after tanning is sun damage manifesting itself. Repeatedly damaging the skin by tanning can lead to cancer, and it’s one of the most common issues leading to higher rates of melanoma. Sun feels great, but if you want to protect your skin, you have to give up tanning. Accidental sunburns increase your risk too, so it’s critical that you reapply sunscreen when you’re outdoors. Sweat and waterproof versions still rinse away, and they need to be applied every 90 minutes in most cases.
Check Your Skin
Looking over your skin on a regular basis can help you detect any abnormalities or monitor suspicious sites where you have moles. You should have someone check areas that you can’t visualize in the mirror.
See A Dermatologist
Everyone should see a dermatologist when possible. Dermatologists are one of the biggest defenses against skin cancer. They are able to detect and biopsy any suspicious areas, and they can keep track of known concern areas. Dermatologists are also helpful for advising you on how to care for your skin if you have any special concerns.
Repeat These Regularly
Once you know the ways to protect yourself from skin cancer, you have to keep up with your skin-protection routine in order for it to be effective. Even on overcast or cold days, sun damage can occur. It’s important to stay on top of using sunscreen and protective clothing on a regular basis for the best protection.