Did you know 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by 70 years old? That’s over 60 million people. While not all cases lead to fatalities, two people pass away every hour.
One of the many reasons people develop skin cancer is the lack of knowledge.
How do you protect your skin to avoid this disease? Learn the steps to preventing skin cancer below.
Wear Sunscreen
Whenever you go out during the day, wear skin protection. It applies to a short errand, going to the office, or for a long walk.
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Even when cloudy or rainy, the harmful UV rays can still penetrate the clouds. Choose a product with at least SPF 15 or 30.
Are you working from home? You should still wear sunscreen every day.
UV rays can still enter your home through the windows. If you don’t want to wear sunscreen, avoid the sun by drawing the curtains or moving to a shaded spot.
Avoid Peak Hours
Protecting your skin means minding the hours you go out. As much as possible, avoid going out in the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Solar radiation is highest around noon since the sun is at its peak. Take this to heart even on cloudy days and the winter season.
Wear Protective Clothing
If you can’t be in the shade, use your clothes for shade. Wear long sleeves and pants. A wide brim hat can give you shade, as well.
Whenever possible, buy clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor. A UPF 50 rating indicates that only one in 50 UV rays reaches the skin.
Don’t forget a pair of sunglasses. Exposure to UV rays can cause various eye conditions.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Did you know that tanning is your skin’s response to damaged DNA? That’s why there’s no such thing as a healthy tan.
Tanning beds may carry even more radiation than the sun. Skin cancer aside, wrinkles will develop much more quickly with constant exposure.
Get Annual Checkups
Schedule annual checkups with your dermatologist for a comprehensive look at your skin. Any seemingly harmless skin changes can turn out to be signs of cancer. A new mole or a nonhealing pimple can be dangerous.
Learn the ABCDE
You should also regularly check your skin for any changes. Look out for the symptoms of melanoma – the ABCDEs.
- Asymmetry – uneven halves
- Borders – irregular or scalloped
- Color – unusual colors, such as white, red, or blue
- Diameter – large size
- Evolving – changes in color, shape, or size
If you notice any of these, talk to your healthcare provider. Melanoma is the most dangerous out of all types of skin cancer. It’s best to get it taken care of as soon as possible.
Learn More About Preventing Skin Cancer Now
Preventing skin cancer is an active choice. Consider making conscious efforts in caring for your skin. At the same time, find the best regimen to suit your schedule.
Now you know how to prevent skin cancer, make sure everyone you love knows, too.
Did you find this guide helpful? To learn more, check out our other posts today.
