Updated:
May 31, 2022
Published:
April 30, 2021
While we may love the feel of the sun’s warming rays on our skin, the sun doesn’t love our skin. In fact, too much sun exposure can damage your skin and be harmful to your health. The sun’s UVB and UVA rays can affect your skin’s appearance making it leathery or wrinkled. And most importantly, too much sun exposure raises your risk for skin cancer, the most common type of cancer. An estimated 2.5 million cases will be diagnosed this year in the United States. Of those cases, nearly 100,000 individuals will develop invasive melanoma, the most serious and potentially deadly form of skin cancer.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid getting a sunburn or even a tan. Let's take a look at the best ways to keep your skin healthy and prevent skin cancer...or find it early.
Use Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is key to protecting your skin. Before you go outside:
- Liberally apply sunscreen to all skin that will be exposed (face, ears, hands, neck).
- Apply sunscreen daily. The sun's rays are damaging even on cloudy days and can pass through the windows of your car.
- Reapply the sunscreen every two hours when you’ in direct sunlight.
- Apply a sunscreen containing lip balm to your lips.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. I recommend an SPF of at least 30. Consumer Reports consistently finds that almost half of tested sunscreens with ratings of 30 SPF or higher, fell short of their stated level of sun protection. Take a look at the findings and choose wisely.
- Do not use the sunscreen after its expiration date. The ingredients may not work as they should after that date.
Never Use a Tanning Bed or Sun Lamp
These devices cause skin cancer and are dangerous. Research shows using a tanning bed, especially before the age of 35, increases your risk of getting melanoma by 75 percent.
Wear Protective Clothing
A white t-shirt is an example of clothing that doesn’t protect against the sun’s harmful rays. Any clothing you can hold up to bright light and see through doesn’t offer the protection you need. Many companies supply comfortable, lightweight, and stylish sun-protective clothing. And remember to always wear a broad-brimmed hat outdoors.
Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection
Melanoma can develop in the eyes, so it’s essential to shield them from the sun’s rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses that offer UV protection every day.
Avoid the Outdoors at Peak Times
The sun is strongest during the late morning and afternoon hours. For maximum safety, avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. And remember, the sun’s rays are damaging even on cooler and cloudier days.
See a Doctor for a Screening
Ask your primary care doctor if you should see a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening. If your doctor recommends one, be sure to ask the dermatologist how often you should be checked. Some people need to be screened more often than others. During the screening, the doctor will carefully look at your skin, including your scalp, for any unusual marks or moles.