You might not know this, but the sun is your enemy. Seriously. It might feel good to soak up some rays, but too much exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancer.
In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. And while it is most commonly diagnosed in adults over the age of 50, anyone can get skin cancer.
So what can you do to protect yourself from skin cancer? Well, there are a few things. Here are 10 ways to protect yourself from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
The Sun Is the Number One Cause of Skin Cancer.
You might not know this, but the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
So what can you do to protect yourself? Well, first and foremost, you need to limit your exposure to the sun. This means staying in the shade as much as possible, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
You should also avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, as these can also increase your risk of skin cancer. And if you do go out in the sun, be sure to check your skin for any changes regularly. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to see a doctor right away.
UV Rays Can Penetrate Through Cloudy Weather and Glass.
You might not realize this, but UV rays can actually penetrate through clouds and glass. So even if it's an overcast day, or you're sitting in your car, you're still at risk of exposure.
That's why it's important to make sure you're protected, even on days when you don't think you need to be. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and make sure to reapply it every two hours, even if you're not swimming or sweating.
If you can, try to stay in the shade as much as possible, and wear clothing that covers your skin. A wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea, as it will protect your face, neck and ears.
UV Rays Can Bounce Off of Water, Sand, and Snow.
You might not realize this, but water, sand, and snow can all reflect UV rays—up to 85% of them, in fact. So even if you're wearing sunscreen, you're still at risk of getting burned if you're spending time near any of these things.
The best way to protect yourself is to wear a rash guard or swim shirt when you're in the water, and to put on a wide-brimmed hat when you're on the beach or snow. You should also avoid being in direct sunlight between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the UV rays are the strongest.
The Best Way to Protect Yourself Is to Avoid the Sun.
The best way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to avoid the sun. That means wearing sunscreen every day, even when it's cloudy, and avoiding sun exposure during the middle of the day, when the sun's rays are strongest.
If you can't avoid being in the sun, make sure to cover up with long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. And don't forget the sunscreen! Apply it generously and reapply it every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Remember, the sun is your enemy when it comes to skin cancer. But by taking some simple precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk.
If You Must Be in the Sun, Take Precautions.
You should also take precautions if you must be in the sun. This means wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a hat. You should also apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours. And if you’re going to be in the water or sweating, you should reapply it more frequently.
Wear Sunscreen With an SPF of 30 or Higher.
You might think that if you don't spend that much time in the sun, you don't need to worry about sunscreen. But the truth is, even if you're just running errands or walking to and from your car, you need to be wearing sunscreen.
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and there are two types that can damage your skin: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause premature aging, while UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns.
You need a sunscreen that will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, and the best way to do that is to look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure to apply it generously, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Reapply Sunscreen Every Two Hours.
You might think that one application of sunscreen in the morning is enough to last you the entire day, but that's unfortunately not the case. In order to make sure you're fully protected, you need to reapply every two hours—and more frequently if you're swimming or sweating.
I know it sounds like a lot, but it's really not that difficult to do. I like to keep a small tube of sunscreen in my purse, so I can reapply when I'm out and about, and I always make sure to put some on before I go swimming. Plus, most sunscreens nowadays have a pretty nice smell, so you don't have to worry about smelling like a lifeguard all day long.
Wear Protective Clothing.
Another way you can protect your skin is by wearing protective clothing. This means wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat when you know you're going to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time.
If you can, try to find clothing that's specifically designed to protect your skin from the sun. These types of clothing are often made with a material that has an SPF rating, which means it will actually help to block out some of the harmful UV rays.
And if you're looking for an extra layer of protection, you can always spray your clothes with a UV-protective spray. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the bottle so that you don't end up damaging your clothes.
Stay in the Shade Whenever Possible.
The sun is the source of most skin cancers, so it's important to stay in the shade whenever possible. If you're going to be in the sun, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin.
You should also wear a hat or other head covering to protect your face and neck from the sun. And don't forget to apply sunscreen! Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and make sure to reapply it every two hours.
Conclusion.
You should now have a better understanding of what skin cancer is, how to check for it, and how to prevent it. The sun is your enemy when it comes to skin cancer, so make sure you are taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself.
You can never be too safe when it comes to skin cancer, so always err on the side of caution. If you have any concerns about a mole or spot on your skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist. It's always better to be safe than sorry.