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According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1-in-5 Americans will get skin cancer by the time they turn 70.
Are you looking for effective ways to prevent skin cancer? The earlier you start, the better. Here’s what you can start doing today to protect your skin from damaging UV rays.
Avoid the Midday Sun
Overexposure to the sun is one of the common causes of skin cancer. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If possible, limit your exposure to the sun during these times.
Remember that the sun poses a risk even in winter.
Be extra careful around sand, snow, and water as the sun can reflect off these surfaces and increase your chances of getting sunburn.
Stay in the shade, use sun umbrellas, canopies, and trees when outside. However, these sources of shade do not keep you completely protected, so you need to take additional measures.
Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Getting sunburn can increase your chances of skin cancer, especially if you get sunburn often!
The sun poses a risk even in the winter, so you should apply sunscreen regularly regardless of the time of year. The application of sunscreen should be part of your regular skincare routine.
To protect your skin, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using one with an SPF 30 or higher that’s also water-resistant.
Most adults need about an ounce (one shot glass) of sunscreen. You should apply it fifteen minutes before exposing your skin to the sun. You also need to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after sweating or swimming.
When applying sunscreen, remember to apply it to all exposed skin, including the tops of your feet, your ears, neck, and the top of your head.
Don’t forget to protect your lips, too! Use a lip balm with an SPF of around 30 or higher.
Wear Protective Clothing
Skin cancer prevention starts with understanding how best to protect yourself.
Dermatologists and other experts recommend that people wear protective clothing outside, such as wide-brim hats, long sleeves, and loose-fitting clothes.
However, these clothes don’t protect you fully against the sun. Many people assume they’re fully protected when they wear a hat and long-sleeve shirt.
It’s a good idea to buy a few pieces of UPF clothing designed to protect you. This protective clothing has a UPF50+ rating, which is much higher than regular clothes.
The UPF system is mostly used for sun-protective clothing. Like SPF, it indicates how effective a product is against the sun’s rays.
Tips to Help Prevent Skin Cancer
Unfortunately, none of us can predict our futures, but you can take these steps now to help prevent skin cancer. Staying proactive by using these expert skin care tips is the best place to start. Make sure to follow these steps even when it’s not sunny outside, as those UV rays can still reach you.
Are you looking for more health tips? Check out some of our other posts to discover additional advice.