Skin cancer cases are rising at an alarming rate each year. Have you noticed changes or new spots on your skin lately that worry you? Have you experienced bad sunburns that left permanent damage or scars?
Excess sun exposure can sneak up on you before you realize the harm being done. Left untreated, it can lead to premature ageing, wrinkles, sun spots, and even melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Skin cancer threatens health and lives if not caught early. In its later stages, it can require painful biopsies, surgeries, or chemotherapy.
Treatment is much more effective when detected early. Unprotected sun exposure also accelerates ageing, leaving you with leathered, blotchy skin decades before your time.
There are safe, effective ways to enjoy the outdoors while protecting your skin's health for years.
Read on to learn how!
Don’t Let the Sun Ruin Your Skin
Protecting yourself against UV damage can help avoid future skin cancer scares and diagnoses. You'll no longer worry each time you notice a strange new mole or spot on your body.
Checking your skin regularly and visiting the dermatologist once a year gives you peace of mind, knowing any potential issues will be caught in the initial stages.
You'll also prevent further signs of premature ageing so your skin retains its youthful glow for years.
Protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays is easier than ever with today's sun-safe clothing options, broad-spectrum sunscreens and preventative care.
Don’t live another sunny day worried and uncertain about your skin health. Here are some tips to follow and protect your skin:
1. Seek Shade
One of the simplest ways to limit your UV exposure is to avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
Whenever possible, seek shade under trees, umbrellas or buildings. The sun’s rays are strongest at midday, so build shade into your schedule.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Covering exposed skin with tightly woven fabrics creates a physical barrier against UV radiation. Hats with brims, long-sleeved shirts and pants provide the best coverage.
There are also lightweight, breathable fabrics made with UV-blocking technology. Sunglasses are also crucial for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes.
3. Apply Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Skip the tanning oils and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you go outside.
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after swimming and sweating. Pay extra attention to oft-missed spots like ears, lips, neck and tops of feet.
4. Avoid Tanning Beds
It may be tempting to use tanning beds for that sun-kissed summer glow, but tanning lamps emit incredibly high levels of UVA radiation – the type most closely linked to skin cancer and premature ageing.
Tanning bed use significantly increases your lifetime risk, especially if started at a young age. It’s not worth the long-term damage. Embrace your natural skin tone instead!
5. Check Your Skin
Early detection truly saves lives with skin cancer. Perform regular self-checks for any new or changing spots on your skin, especially moles. Note any asymmetry, irregular borders, changing colours or rapid size increases.
Also, schedule annual skin cancer screenings with your dermatologist beginning at age 40 or younger if you have risk factors.
6. See Your Dermatologist Annually
In addition to performing thorough skin exams, dermatologists can provide personalized advice and treatment plans to help reduce your future skin cancer risk.
They may prescribe topical medications, recommend dietary changes or advise avoiding certain activities during peak sun hours. Annual visits allow you to review any concerning spots and catch any abnormalities early.
The Future is Sun Safe
Skin cancer cases continue rising year after year, but many are preventable. Help reduce your risk by practising proper sun protection habits outdoors.
Guard your skin now, and your older self will thank you! Stay vigilant with self-checks, schedule annual dermatology visits, and you'll be well on your way to a skin-smart future.
The small sacrifices we make today lead to a healthy tomorrow!
