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Protect Your Skin from Skin Cancer

Date: 07/14/23

Knowledge is your best defense when it comes to skin cancer. In the United States, about one out of five people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. So the more you understand it, the better you can prepare and protect yourself.

Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells in the skin. The main types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). For many, the two main causes of skin cancer are the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the use of products that produce UV light.

The good news is that if skin cancer is caught early, your doctor has high odds of eliminating it. Louisiana Healthcare Connections can help you get the care you need, so be sure to visit your doctor regularly. Although it’s hard to completely protect yourself from UV rays, it’s important to be proactive in your skin protection.

Here are some ways to prevent damage to your skin:

Avoid long exposure to the sun. During the peak hours of the sun’s strength, try to stay in the shade. This peak time is usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And remember, UV rays can still get to you during the winter months or on cloudy days. It also helps to avoid outdoor tanning or using UV tanning beds.

Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you know you will be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, it is important to apply sunscreen regardless of your skin tone. Look for sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Make sure to reapply about every two hours if you’re sweating or swimming.

In addition to sunscreen, wear sun-protective clothing. Hats with wide brims and clothing that covers your arms and legs are helpful to protect your skin from harmful UV damage. Sunglasses that have UV protection can help protect your face and eyes from the sun.

Examine your skin from head to toe every month. Take time and make note of your body. Look for new moles, any change in color, or unusual skin on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas. If you notice strange growths or differences over time, talk with your doctor immediately.