Protect Yourself – Skin Cancer Prevention
July is Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. Skin cancer prevention requires a comprehensive approach to protecting yourself against harmful UV radiation.
That’s because UV radiation from the sun isn’t just dangerous, it’s also sneaky. Not only can it cause premature aging skin cancer, it reaches you when you’re trying to avoid it – penetrating clouds and glass, and bouncing off of snow, water, and sand.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm.
- Don’t get sunburned.
- Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
- Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
Visit skincancer.org for more information on UV safety and skin cancer prevention.
Take Charge. Live Well