Skin Cancer Prevention

How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Some simple steps to reduce skin cancer risk include those listed below.

Cover up when out in the sun: To avoid ultraviolet (UV) light, which is the type of light that causes skin damage, wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection, as well as clothing made from UV-protective fabric.

Avoid going out in the sun: Stay indoors or in the shade between around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s UV rays tend to be at their strongest.

Apply sunscreen: It’s a good idea to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside. It is best to reapply sunscreen every two hours and to use a product that has an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Sunscreen that is 50 SPF or higher is best for people who spend long periods outdoors.

Do not get sunburned: A burn is a primary cause of changes to the cells in the skin that may become cancerous over time.

Avoid tanning beds or salons: Most tanning machines use UV light, which is a main cause of skin cancers.

Perform a skin examination once a month: It’s a good idea to look for signs of changes to the skin, including new moles or spots, or changes to the size, shape or appearance of existing moles at least monthly.

When to Use Sunscreen

It is important to apply sunscreen when going outside, no matter the season or the weather. The sun’s UV rays may reach any exposed skin, even if it is cloudy or cold outside.

Does Sunscreen Block Vitamin D?

It is possible for sunscreen to slightly decrease the amount of vitamin D that the body produces. This is because one of the ways the body makes vitamin D is through a reaction in the cells of the skin caused by exposure to UV rays. However, the benefits of using sunscreen to reduce cancer risk far outweigh the possibility of a decrease in vitamin D levels.

Most people get sufficient vitamin D from a healthy diet and those with low vitamin D levels may benefit from a simple vitamin supplement.

Which Sunscreen Is the Best?

Many different types of sunscreen are available, including creams, lotions, sprays and sunscreen sticks. While choosing a sunscreen is partly a question of personal preference, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends:

• Sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF
• Broad-spectrum sunscreen, which covers both types of UV light
• Water-resistant sunscreen, though it is important to remember that sunscreen should be reapplied after swimming or heavy sweating and that no sunscreen product is “waterproof”

Sunscreen should be applied evenly across any areas of exposed skin.

How Much Sunscreen to Use on the Face

Most adults should use around 1 teaspoon of sunscreen to protect their face, neck, ears and top of the head, if necessary. This is about the same as two finger lengths of sunscreen. This amount should be reapplied every two hours when outdoors in the sun.

Is There a Safe Way to Tan?

The only safe way to have a suntan is to use products that do not use UV light to tan the skin. These include options such as spray tans or sunless tanners. In most cases, these are sprays or creams that can be applied to the skin to give the appearance of a tan.

However, because sunless tanning spray products do not offer protection from UV light, it is still important to apply UV-protective sunscreen when heading out in the sun.