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Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the epidermis – the topmost layer of skin. There is a common misconception that only major sunburns cause it. Several blistering does increase your chances of developing skin cancer but so does UV exposure. This blog will share five ways to prevent skin cancer before the need for cancer treatment arises.
1. Wear a Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Daily.
Sunscreen should be a part of your daily skincare regimen, even on days when it is cloudy because 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through the clouds. Add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your skincare routine. Ensure you select one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every day can prevent your chances of developing squamous cell carcinomas by 40% and melanoma by 50%.
Make sure you get adequate coverage when you apply sunscreen. You should apply about one ounce of sunscreen to your entire body each day.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM.
The sun’s rays are the strongest when it is directly overhead between 10 AM and 4 PM. Between these times, you can burn quicker than at other times of the day.
Sunlight contains two types of rays: UVA rays that penetrate the skin and cause aging and UVB rays that affect the skin’s surface and cause sunburns. Sun exposure between 10 AM to 4 PM can expose your skin to both types of UV rays.
If you can’t avoid being outdoors in the middle of the day, try seeking shade as often as possible. However, shades aren’t the perfect solution, so don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
3. Avoid Using Tanning Beds.
Please avoid tanning beds as the lights in these beds transmit UV radiation approximately 10 to 15 times stronger than sunlight at peak intensity.
A study by theSkin Cancer Foundation found that people who used tanning beds before the age of 35 were at an increased risk (75%) of developing melanoma.
If you really want a bronzed and tanned look, go for tanning sprays or creams to prevent damage.
4. Wear UPF Clothing When Outside.
Many people avoid wearing sunscreen because they feel reapplying it every two hours during the day is a hassle. Others simply forget to reapply it or lose track of time. If you are one of those people, UPF clothing is a great option for you as it does not lose its effectiveness over time.
UPF, short for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is a system that measures how much UV light a piece of cloth blocks. For example, a UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will pass through the fabric and reach your skin.
5. Perform Regular Self-Exams for Skin Cancer.
Lastly, remember to perform regular self-exams for skin cancer. Most skin cancers are highly treatable if found early. Set a reminder on your calendar to perform a self-check every month.
In addition, you should also see a dermatologist at least once a year and much more often if you have a family history of skin cancer. A dermatologist will conduct a thorough skin examination. The sooner they can find and treat skin cancer, the faster you will recover.
Final Words
Skin cancer prevention is easy! While there is no single fool-proof prevention method, we recommend you use as many ways to protect yourself as possible. While these ways won’t eliminate your chances of developing skin cancer, they will reduce them dramatically.
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