No one wants to hear those dreaded words: “You have cancer.” Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer people are likely to develop. There are steps you can take to prepare yourself and learn how to prevent skin cancer. Check out these tips for how to prevent skin cancer to protect your skin:
1. Prevent Sunburns
There are plenty of ways to protect your skin from getting sunburnt. Using the right amount of sunscreen is a great way to prevent a sunburn. You should try to find one with SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection. Apply sunscreen every time before you go outside. If you’re going to be in the pool and in the water, you should reapply every 2 hours to ensure your skin is protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You should wear sunscreen year round, not just in the spring and summer.
2. Avoid Tanning
While many people want to have that dark glow to their skin, you should avoid tanning to prevent skin cancer. This tip is one of the best on how to prevent skin cancer. If you sit outside in the sun and don’t apply or reapply sunscreen, you will be more likely to develop skin cancer. You should also avoid tanning beds, especially indoor beds with UV light since that is what usually causes skin cancer.
3. Stay in the Shade
By getting out of the sun and under the shade, you skin will be better protected. Grab an umbrella or tent when you’re going to the beach, set up chairs under a tree, or sit under a covered porch if you want to spend time outside. By being in the shade, your skin won’t have contact with the UV rays from the sun. Plus it’s usually cooler!
4. Cover Your Skin
If you work or play outside, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer if you don’t protect yourself. You may be wondering how to prevent skin cancer when you spend a lot of time outdoors, and one of the top things you should do is cover your skin. Long sleeves and pants may be hot, but your skin will be better protected. Wear a hat if you are gardening or walking around the beach or an amusement park. Hats protect the skin on your face, which is one of the places skin cancer is most likely to appear. Clothes that have tightly woven fabric are the best option since UV light can’t get between the fabric. Opt for darker colors rather than lighter because they offer more protection.
5. Examine Your Skin
You should be aware of any skin changes, especially if you’ve been outside for long periods in the sun. Doing self-examinations will help you be aware if something changes. You should look for any kind of changes, such as skin growths that increase in size and are pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored. Also keep an eye on moles, beauty marks, birthmarks, or any spots that change color, texture, increase in size, have irregular outline, or are larger than the end of a pencil eraser. Looking for these symptoms can prevent skin cancer from spreading or getting worse.
You have plenty of options when it comes to how to prevent skin cancer. Take precautions and protect your skin to keep it healthy. Look at our services to find out how we can help you protect yourself.
