Skin Cancer Awareness Month: 5 Tips for Protecting Your Skin
You may love the golden-brown look of a tan, but prolonged exposure to the sun increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Skin protection is always important, but it is absolutely vital during the summer, when the sun’s rays are at their most powerful. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the great outdoors this season without sacrificing the health of your skin. To protect yourself from skin cancer and keep a youthful, healthy appearance, follow this guide to summer skin protection.
1. Always Wear Sunscreen
One of the best ways to protect your skin is to wear sunscreen each and every day. Slather on a formula with an SPF of at least 15, and make sure it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Apply a layer to all exposed skin, including the tops of your feet and ears, and wait 30 minutes after applying to soak in the sun. Reapply often if you are swimming or sweating.
2. Cover Up
Clothing offers better skin protection than sunscreen. Put on a cute wide-brimmed hat to protect your face’s delicate skin, don sunglasses to protect your eyes and wear a cover-up while you lay out at the beach. Some clothes are even made with sun-protecting fabrics, and rash guards can offer UV protection if you are into water sports.
3. Stay in the Shade
You can enjoy being outside without being directly exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Pack a large umbrella for a beach trip, relax under a shady tree or dine al fresco under an awning.
4. Check Yourself
You probably wear less clothes in the summer than at other times of the year, so take advantage of the easy access to check your body for suspicious-looking moles. Take note of changes in color, appearance and size, and contact your dermatologist right away if a spot seems off.
5. Say No to Tanning Beds
Contrary to what the Jersey Shore cast may believe, indoor tanning is a serious no-no. People who use tanning beds have a drastically higher risk of skin cancer than those who get a sun-kissed glow from a safe spray tan or bronzer instead.
