Did you know 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70? This is a frightening statistic, and you’ll no doubt be keen to stay safe in the sun.
But what steps can you take to help prevent yourself from suffering from skin cancer? While there are some risks that may be unavoidable, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce the risk of being afflicted with this condition. While you should always keep up to date with new ways to avoid getting skin cancer, there are already numerous techniques you can use to stay healthy.
Keep reading to learn more.
Stay in the Shade
Skin cancer is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV rays). This is why it can be beneficial to stay in the shade and away from the sun’s UV rays which could harm your skin. However, this is easier said than done, and you may not notice every time you find yourself in contact with sunlight.
For example, if you’re sitting in an air-conditioned restaurant, you may feel cool and comfortable, even if the sun is shining on your skin. But, this could lead to you suffering sunburn without realizing it while you eat your meal. Therefore, trying to be aware of situations when you are receiving sun, even when you don’t feel warm, could remind you it’s time to look for shade.
Use Sunscreen
One of the most well-known skincare tips is to use sunscreen, but not everyone knows how to use it properly. This could lead to you applying sunscreen, jumping in the pool or ocean, and thinking you are still protected when you come back out. But, if the type of sunscreen you use is less effective after being in the water, this can leave your healthy skin vulnerable.
There is also the risk of missing small parts of your body when applying sunscreen. This can leave those areas unprotected and you might not notice immediately. This is why it’s vital to take the time to liberally apply your sunscreen lotion or spray.
Always read the label before applying sunscreen, and don’t forget to put more on throughout the day to increase your level of protection.
Adapt to Your Current Environment
You may be used to caring for your skin in familiar conditions, but you could need to be more careful in different environments. For example, if you live in a temperate climate, you may not have to take too many precautions to stay safe in the sun. But, if you were to go to a hot and sunny area on vacation, you might need to change your skincare routines.
Although it can be tempting to try and get a tan in the first few days when on vacation, you should be wary of spending too much time in the sun. Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and think about limiting how long you spend sunbathing.
Wear Protective Clothing
Of course, you’ll not want to lock yourself in a dark room every time the sun comes out. This is when having the right clothing available can be a huge advantage. For example, rather than venturing outside in shirts that offer low levels of protection from the sun’s UV rays, you can wear top-quality sun protection shirts for men.
In addition, you should always keep a hat nearby, and it can help to wear sunglasses that protect your eyelids and the skin around your eyes. While wearing shorts can be pleasant in hot weather, it’s also worth considering putting on slacks if you’re going to be outside for extended periods.
Don’t Use Tanning Booths
Using tanning booths can increase your risk of getting skin cancer, and it’s best to avoid using them altogether. However, if you do use a tanning booth, there are some practices that could raise the chances of suffering harm. This includes spending too much time underneath the artificial UV rays, and not using protective eyewear.
You should also bear in mind that some medications and cosmetics could make it more likely that the UV rays will damage your skin. If in doubt, you should check the manufacturer’s recommendations, and consult with the tanning booth owner. It’s also best to talk to a physician who is qualified to give you sound advice.
Go for Regular Checkups
Part of your skin cancer prevention routine should include performing regular self-examinations. But, you can also visit your physician who can inspect your skin. This can be especially useful if you are unsure about the signs of skin cancer.
A physician will also find it easier to examine hard-to-see areas such as areas of your back and your scalp. This could help you catch any issues early so you can receive the best advice and any necessary treatment.
Being Sensible Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer
It’s not always possible to prevent skin cancer, but you can limit your chances of developing this disease by taking some sensible precautions. It can help to stay in the shade when possible and to apply sunscreen on a regular basis. You could also wear protective clothing, and ask a physician to look for any worrying signs that may need further attention.
You can then feel more confident when spending time in the sun.
If you’ve found this skin cancer article helpful, check out more of our excellent blog posts before you go.
