One of the most highly recommended skin cancer preventive measure is to avoid the sun’s strongest and harmful rays from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. You could spend time indoors during this time. Or if you work outside, try to spend this time in the shade which will also reduce your chances of getting skin cancer.
Do not forget to apply a sunscreen daily that has a UV protection factor (SPF) of fifteen or higher which is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. Some other common measures include wearing sunglasses and wide brimmed hats to provide maximum protection to your skin and eyes. Keep your kids indoors during this time as well. Try to encourage your family to get their exercise and outdoor time in during early morning or late evening hours.
Follow these tips to prevent skin cancer:
Use a sunscreen: Using a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA/UVB) with an SPF 30 or higher every day. It is extremely important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays as recommended by the skin cancer foundation. It is advisable that you use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if you are planning an outdoor activity. You can apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before you head outdoors. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Sunscreen alone is not enough, however. Read below.
Seek the shade: The sun’s rays between 10 AM and 4 PM are very harmful. Experts recommend that it is best to use a sunblock and clothing to protect exposed skin to avoid the danger of skin damage.
Do not burn: Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Avoid tanning: It is best if you avoid getting yourself tanned in the sun. But the use of UV tanning beds can be even worse because the harmful UV and UVA rays are much stronger.
Covering is key: Make sure you cover up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat that will cover your face, UV blocking sunglasses for your eyes and sunscreen. Long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats are great.
Newborns should avoid the sun: Sunscreen should be used on babies over the age of six months. Keep younger babies out of the sun.
Skin examination: Make sure you take time to examine your skin from head-to-toe every month.
Visit your dermatologist: You don’t want to wait until cancer has had time to grow. It is advisable that you visit your dermatologist every year for a professional skin exam.