Stay Skin-safe: How to reduce risk of skin cancer this summer

Reducing Skin Cancer Risk during SummerSummer period is mostly the favorite time of the year for many people because it is at this point where the surroundings is dry and can be conducive for some outdoor activities. Many people tend to go out during summer because the sun is out bright and the weather is good to experience and enjoy different beach activities or various outdoor sports.

Summer is really the perfect time of the year to explore and try new things outside however according to Skin Cancer Foundation and Cancer Research, United Kingdom too much sun exposure during summer time can lead to skin damage or what others call “sunburn”. Having sunburn is the result of too much exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. In the long run, it is believed that this skin damage can develop into skin cancer.

 

 

With that, here are some tips to avoid skin damage during summer.

  1. Spend time in the shade

Research showed that the sun is very intense between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this period it is highly advised by experts to avoid the sun by staying in shaded areas where sun exposure is limited.

Experts from these research institutes have also noted that sunbeds are also not the best idea for tanning because sunbeds release 10 to 15 times higher UV rays that can damage the skin.

  1. Wear protective gears

To avoid burning the skin when the sun is very intense and there is no shade available wear gears that can help lessen sun exposure such as T-shirts that are closely weaved, hat and sunglasses with UV 400 label and 100% UV protection.

  1. Use sunscreens

Sunscreens maybe a little bit expensive but are very useful in protecting the skin. Sunscreens will not solely protect the skin from the sun damage rather it should be used with other protected gears because sunscreens are not used to spend longer minutes under the sun. In using sunscreens, use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and with a high UVA protection or “star rating”. The higher the SPF is and the more stars present in the sunscreen, the better.
In applying the sunscreen, it should be applied properly and regularly to be effective for sun protection. Before going out, the sunscreen should be applied for the skin to absorb. Sunscreen should always be applied regularly because it is simply washed off.

  1. Always check the skin

It is always good to check the skin once in a while for any changes. I any case if there is something strange or unusual that happens in the skin visit a skin clinic right away.

Also, be aware of the symptoms of skin cancer to be abreast about this disease.

Despite the harmful rays of the sun, summer can still be enjoyed because right amount of sunlight can also give Vitamin D for the bones. A good balance of safely walking under the sun and with proper protection should only be practiced.

Sources:
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/skin-cancer/about/preventing-skin-cancer
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines
Img c/o Pexels.