5 Vital Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

5 Vital Skin Cancer Prevention Tips 

Summer is the perfect time to reassess your personal skincare needs and focus on skin cancer prevention methods. Rates of melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- have been rising for the past three decades, according to the American Cancer Society, with the fastest rise in women ages 15 to 39.  Get a healthy glow this summer by following these 5 skin cancer prevention tips:

Get Regular Mole Scans

Moles come in all shapes and sizes and are generally round spots that are red, pink, or brown, but it’s important to keep a close watch on any moles that may look irregular. It's the moles that are asymmetrical, with raggedy borders, changing size, or a multicolored appearance that are more likely to develop into deadly melanoma.

Check your moles regularly, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer. Look for a change in moles, particularly a new black mole or a change in outline, shape, size, color, or feel. If you notice any changes, see your doctor right away.

Avoid Peak Hours

The harmful UV rays of the sun are strongest when it's directly overhead (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), so do your best to avoid sun exposure during those times. Opt for the shade during these hours, or make sure to really layer on a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Cover Up

Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays goes way beyond lathering on the sunscreen. Certain parts of the body are generally overlooked when it comes to sunburn prevention. With barely-there flip-flops, your toes and the tops of your feet are in danger of damaging burns.  Ears are also a common area missed by sunscreen and remain uncovered when wearing a hat or ponytail.  It’s important to protect the sensitive areas of your skin that are more often exposed like the feet, hands, eyelids, ears and even the lips. 

Ditch The Tanning Salon

The tanning units in these salons consist of both UVA and UVB radiation, containing levels that are as much as five times more concentrated than the sun. Not only will tanning beds age your skin, it can cause sunburn-like symptoms and increase your risk of developing melanomas.

Wear SPF EVERYDAY!

We recommend using a moisturizer with a minimum of SPF 15 as well as SPF lip balms and make-up.  The American Cancer Society recommends daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.  Seek out broad-spectrum products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. A good way to remember the damaging effects between UVA & UVB is “A” for aging rays which gives you the fine lines and wrinkles & “B” for burning rays which is the main cause of skin cancer. So don't forget to reapply every few hours to keep your skin healthy!

Wishing you a happy and healthy summer from Metta Touch Skincare Studio!