What Are the Best Ways to Lower Skin Cancer Risk?
The team at Ironwood Dermatology, a practice that provides skin cancer treatments in Arizona, knows how important protecting your skin from UV exposure is throughout the year. Getting outside in the sun is a great way to lower your stress levels and get vitamin D, so it isn’t all bad for your health. However, too much exposure to UV (ultraviolet) light is known to be the primary cause of the majority of skin cancers.
There’s an invisible type of radiation in sunlight—as well as artificial sources, such as tanning beds—that can be harmful to skin cells. Protecting your skin from UV exposure is important not only during the hottest days of summer, but even on cooler and cloudier days in winter and spring. It’s even possible for the UV rays to reflect from surfaces such as water, sand, cement, and snow.
Although some people are at a higher risk than others for developing skin cancer—due to genetics—anyone can get the disease. Regardless of what your skin type and color is, being proactive is an important part of lowering your risk. Even if you think you already know everything under the sun about sun safety, there may be some ways of protecting your skin that you may not be aware of. Check out some of the most effective techniques to minimize the risk of skin cancer:
Stay in the Shade When Appropriate
Sun avoidance is key if you want to lower your risk of skin cancer. The hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. are generally the peak hours of sun strength. It’s best to go outside when the sun’s rays aren’t as intense, such as the early morning or late afternoon. Alternatively, you can try to stay in the shade as much as possible, but keep in mind that UV rays will still get to you. They can even pass through windows.
Prioritize Sunscreen
Did you know that getting even one severe sunburn on your torso can significantly increase your risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life? There’s no way to undo the damage if it has already occurred, but you can prevent it from occurring in the first place, as well as stop future burns. The solution is simple: Apply sunscreen. You need to slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen, since this is the type that will block out UVA as well as UVB rays. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a number that shows how effectively a sunscreen blocks out the sun’s rays. The higher the number, the better it will be for protection. It’s best to use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Remember that the sunscreen will eventually wear off, so you’ll need to reapply it every two hours, as well as after swimming, sweating, or towelling off.
Protect Your Skin on Airplanes
One thing you might not have thought of is how your skin could be affected on airplanes during flights. Although it may not seem like a huge deal, flying at high altitudes for long periods of time can be harmful to your skin. UV rays are much more intense at higher altitudes, and they can also penetrate plane windows. Remember to slather on broad-spectrum sunscreen when you travel.
Protect Your Skin While Driving
It’s important to keep up sun safety measures even when inside of your vehicle. Researchers believe that sun exposure while driving is one of the leading causes of skin cancer, since UVA rays can penetrate the glass of car windows. In the United States, skin cancers are more likely to form on the left side of the body and are more common on drivers than passengers. Installing a transparent window film or tinting that has the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation if local regulations allow you to do so can help to lower the risk of skin cancer. Also, be sure you’re always wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen before you drive. Other than that, wearing long-sleeves and sunglasses can also help.
Want more information about ways to reduce the risk of skin cancer, as well as advice for spotting warning signs and scheduling routine skin checks? Call Ironwood Dermatology at 520.618.1630 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation if you would like to learn more.