Skin cancer is a common but serious medical condition. However, it is also preventable, but it will be up to you to make sure that you take the appropriate measures to protect yourself. This means staying out of the sun, using sunscreen, and wearing the right clothes. Here are 9 more ways to stay safe and prevent skin cancer.
1. Make Sure to Wear Protective Clothing
Wearing sun protection clothing is one of the best things you can do to avoid skin cancer. You can wear a wide-brimmed hat and breathable long-sleeve shirts. Stay in the shade and be sure to drink plenty of liquids, preferably non-caffeinated beverages like water and Gatorade. These protective measures will keep you safely covered up so that the sun doesn’t hit your skin.
2. Don’t Be So Hasty for a Sun Tan
Skin safety is very crucial when it comes to avoiding cancer. Tanning, although it is a popular way to enhance physical appearance, is actually one of the worst things that you can do, as it increases the chances of carcinoma and melanoma. You don’t need to spend long hours out in the sun. You also don’t need to waste time, energy, and money on artificial or indoor tans, as they are just as risky as outdoor tans. The more rays you absorb, the more damage you do to your skin.
3. Do Your Best to Avoid Getting Sunburned
Spending some time in the sun is a great and natural way to receive your daily dose of vitamin D. However, it is not safe to spend countless hours out in the sun, especially without proper protection. Cover up and do all that you can to avoid getting sunburned. Sunburns are not only painful and uncomfortable, but they can age your skin faster and lead to skin cancer.
4. Use Sunscreen With a Very Broad Spectrum
If you have to be out in the sun, you will need to take protective measures. These should include using a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This sunscreen should come with an SPF rating of 15 or higher. If you need to be out for more than a few hours, make sure that the sunscreen you are using has an SPF of 30 or higher. Spread the sunscreen on the areas of your body that will receive sun exposure.
5. Keep Yourself Safely in the Shade
The worst time to be out in the sun is normally between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, as this is the time when the sun’s UV rays are typically the strongest. During these times, you should be doing all that you can to stay in the shade. If you have to go out, wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen. But, you’ll be much better off relaxing indoors. Try to engage in some fun indoor activities like watching a good show or movie, reading a book, and arts and craft projects.
6. Lather on 2 Tablespoons of Sun Protection
When it comes to sunscreen, a good rule of thumb is to lather on 2 tablespoons of it on the parts of your body that will be exposed to the sun. You should apply this amount about 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply that same amount about every two hours while you’re outside. Also, it’s wise to get some lip balm or chapstick that contains sunscreen. Excessive sun exposure on unprotected lips can lead to lip cancer.
7. Wear Shades to Protect Your Eyes
Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause problems for your skin, but they can also be very damaging to your eyes. Melanoma can take place in your eyes, causing severe damage if it isn’t caught early. The best way to avoid causing damage to your eyes is to wear a pair of strong sunglasses. These glasses will be the best remedy to keep your eyes from getting scarred by harmful UV rays.
8. Give Yourself a Daily Skin Exam
You don’t need to worry too much about skin cancer if you take the right measures to keep it at bay. One of the things you should be doing on a regular basis for skin cancer prevention is giving yourself a skin exam. Get in front of a mirror and check your skin from head to toe. Check for any suspicious-looking lesions, scabs, bumps, or moles. You can call a doctor if you suspect skin cancer.
9. Schedule a Visit with a Dermatologist
One of the best things that you can do to avoid issues with skin cancer will be to visit a dermatologist. You should schedule a routine check-up at least once a year. Your doctor can let you know if you are at risk for skin cancer. They can give you all of the advice that you need to make sure you won’t get skin cancer. They can also give you skincare tips to help better protect your skin.
Conclusion
Skin cancer can be a serious medical condition, but it is preventable and often treatable if caught early. Use the above tips to protect you and your loved ones from getting skin cancer.
