3 easy ways to prevent getting skin cancer
How do you get skin cancer?
Skin cancer is the most common cancer type in the United States where one in every five Americans develops skin cancer in their lifetime. Although caused by overexposure to UV rays, also known as ultraviolet radiation, and exposure to the sun, skin cancer can develop on areas not usually exposed to sunlight like the scalp, neck, ears, face, and lips along with arms, legs, and hands. Skin cancer can be easily overlooked as skin damage builds up slowly over time, but no need to fret, as it is highly treatable when detected early and when practicing preventive measures.
Types of skin cancer
- Basal cell carcinoma
usually occurs after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning. This type of skin cancer can appear on the face and neck, mostly developing in people who have fair skin. Although people who have a more melanated skin tone can also develop this type.
- Squamous cell carcinoma
occurs on sun-exposed areas of your body, such as your face, ears and hands. This type of skin cancer mostly develops in people who have pale skin, but people who have a more melanated skin tone can also develop this type.
- Melanoma
is the most common and most serious form of cancer with its rate in the U.S. doubling from 1982 to 2011. Young girls and women between the ages of 15-29 years old, men 50 years and older, and individuals with less melanin in their skin have a higher risk of developing Melanoma. It is highly treatable but is often diagnosed at later stages resulting in being challenging to treat.
How to detect skin cancer?
Skin cancer can impact people of all skin tones including those with darker complexions. Although people with more melanated skin complexions have a lower risk of developing skin cancer, they are still at risk and should also take preventive measures. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment. Checking your skin often for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages.
How to prevent skin cancer?
The best strategy to prevent skin cancer is to avoid or minimize exposure to UV rays and stay away from the sun. Here are three ways to prevent skin cancer and protect beautiful healthy skin.
- Apply sunscreen every day
According to the CDC,the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone from adults to babiesshould protect their skin from sun exposure every day. Even if an individual rarely gets sunburned or never tans under the sun, wearing some type of sunscreen beyond the summer season is the first step to skincare safety. We recommended adding SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection all minerals sunscreen or an SPF 50+ dual-defense sun shield setting moisturizer to your daily skincare regimen. Whether it’s a blaring sunny day or grey and cloudy, applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will help maintain healthy skin.
- Wear sun-protective clothing
A simple and easy way to prevent skin cancer is to wear protective clothing. Make it a habit to cover your arms, legs and other areas of exposed skin with long-sleeve tops and bottoms. Also, protect your face which is more delicate and prone to skin cancer and premature wrinkles with wide-brim hats and sunglasses. Not to mention in the United States, UV rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. so stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Reduce salon services that use UV light
Exposure to UV light is the most preventable risk factor so an easy precaution is to minimize salon services like tanning beds and gel manicures, which use UV-light nail dryers. These types of services expose people to intense levels of UV rays, a known cause of cancer, so a manicure and a bronzed glow may not be worth risking your skin’s health in the long run.
