Prevent Skin Cancer: When the sun is shining, and the temperatures heat up, many of us are bursting to get out the front door and make the most of the rays. Unfortunately, some people don’t take precautions before going out in the sun. If you’re not careful and don’t use sun lotion, you’re at an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
While we’re not suggesting you stay indoors entirely if you do want to go out and enjoy the sun, here are some simple measures to take beforehand which will protect your skin and lower your risk of getting skin cancer.
See a Specialist for Prevent Skin Cancer
While there are lots of things you can do yourself to prevent skin cancer from forming, you may benefit from seeing a specialist. They can take you through actions to take to protect your skin. You can also opt for a health assessment from Echelon Health that’s essentially a full medical check-up that can look for signs of skin cancer.
Regularly Apply Sun Lotion
It may sound like an obvious step, but you would be surprised how many people forego applying sun lotion before basking under the sun. Whether you’re going in your back garden, heading to work, or off for a stroll on the beach, you must regularly apply sun lotion both before and during your time in the sun. Be generous when applying sun lotion too. Set timers on your phone to remind you to keep applying.
Time It Smart
If you’re heading out, it’s wise to do so before 10 am or after 4 pm. The in-between hours are when the UV (ultraviolet) light is strongest. This means there’s a higher risk of the light causing the most damage to your skin. If you cannot avoid these peak hours, make sure to wear sun-protective clothing and seek shade wherever possible.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Many of us dream about having a sun-kissed glow all year round. While you may think a tan looks good, if you’re using tanning beds to achieve the look, it’s time to change your way of thinking. Tanning beds raise your chances of developing melanoma, which is the most serious kind of skin cancer. The risk increases the more you use tanning beds. It’s always better to opt for the safe route and use fake tan instead. Sure, you may get some on your bed, but when it comes to your health and lowering your risk of skin cancer, fake tanning is a no-brainer.
Wear Sunglasses to Prevent Skin Cancer
Your eyes and the delicate skin around them need to be protected too. UV rays can turn the lenses behind the pupils cloudy. This is known as a condition called cataracts. When you’re out and about enjoying the sun, make sure to pop on a pair of sunglasses. We don’t mean any old pair either. While you can buy sunglasses for as little as £1, they won’t offer the best protection for your eyes. Just make sure whatever sunglasses you purchase have a UV 400-blocking lens.
When it comes to skin cancer. There are things you can do to protect your skin and significantly reduce the chance of getting the disease.
