Protecting against skin cancer requires ongoing effort to shield your skin from UV rays. Beyond wearing sunscreen, what else can you do to protect your skin? If you don’t know the answer, here are five ways to lower your risk of skin cancer.
1. Stay Away From Excess Sunlight Exposure
Going tanning is not only the opposite of anti-aging skincare, it also increases your risk of skin cancer as you are directly exposed to harsh rays that can damage the skin. UV tanning beds are particularly dangerous. Likewise, tanning outside is also discouraged as you expose your skin to direct sunlight for a prolonged period.
While getting some sun exposure is still essential for overall health, you mustn’t go overboard to protect your skin. The sun is strongest between ten in the morning and four in the evening. Do your best to prepare for sun protection by minimizing your exposure to sunlight during these times.
2. Visit Your Dermatologist Yearly
On an annual basis, visit your dermatologist to get an examination. Having your skin professionally checked will allow you to take any necessary precautions to protect your skin.
Your dermatologist might have skincare product recommendations specific to your skin type that will allow you to protect your skin better, not only in the summer but throughout the year.
If you notice blemishes or spots you have not seen before, make an appointment with your dermatologist to rule out issues. It is essential to take proactive measures to care for your skin. So, even when symptoms are mild, seek a professional opinion.
3. Reapply Sunscreen At The Right Times
While you likely already know the importance of wearing sunscreen, you may not know the ideal times to reapply your sunscreen when you’re spending a significant amount of time outside. As a rule, apply around one ounce of sunscreen thirty minutes before heading outside, and then again for every two hours, you spend outdoors.
If you go swimming or are sweating heavily, reapply immediately after drying off. The sunscreen that you choose is also critical to the safety of your skin. Make sure that you select SPF-30 or higher to get the coverage you need to protect your skin and still get that glowy complexion you want.
4. Avoid Using Makeup Sunscreens
Some makeup products, such as tinted moisturizers and foundation sunscreens, are not substitutes for SPF-30 or more sunscreen. Please do not apply these creams to the face and presume that they will protect your skin effectively. While there may be minor benefits of skin protection from these products, they are not enough to reduce your risk of skin cancer or sunburn.
5. Stay In The Shade
If you want to spend longer time outside, you can do so and still minimize sun exposure by spending time in the shade. By spending time outdoors in the shade and keeping covered with a sunhat, you reduce your exposure to sunshine, allowing you to enjoy your time outside with a reduced risk of skin cancer.
The sun’s strongest hours should be spent primarily in the shade. You can enjoy some time in the sun but make sure you spend less than thirty minutes in direct sunlight before reapplying sunscreen.
The Bottom Line
To reduce your risk of skin cancer, make sure that you limit your time in the sun. Wear the right sunscreen and remember to reapply every two hours. The care and keeping of your skin are ongoing processes. Follow the five guidelines above to take effective, proactive measures to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
