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What Can I Do to Protect Myself from the Sun?

woman wearing hat to protect herself from sun

Exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. There are also other factors that can raise this risk. It’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the sun.

How Can I Protect My Skin from Sun Damage?

You can keep your skin safe from sun damage by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you’re outdoors and wearing darker colored clothing. You should also have a hat to protect your face from the sun.

What Are Some of the Precautions We Can Take to Prevent Skin Cancer?

Steps you can take to prevent skin cancer include wearing sunscreen even in winter and on cloudy days, wearing sunglasses and wearing clothing that won’t absorb the sun’s rays.

What Materials Can Block UV Rays?

Synthetic fiber, such as nylon or polyester, tends to block more UV rays than other materials. Heavier materials, such as denim, also keep out more of these rays than lightweight materials.

Who Is Most Likely to Get Skin Cancer?

Those who are most likely to get skin cancer include people with fair skin, people who spend a lot of time in the sun and people who have a family history of skin cancer. Other risk factors include living in a sunny climate and having sunburns, which damage your skin.

How Can Your Skin Protect You from the Sun?

Melanin in your skin helps protect you from the sun’s UV rays. When you get a tan, this is due to your body producing more melanin for protection. Keep in mind that suntans and sunburns lead to skin damage that can raise your risk of skin cancer.

What Are the Main Warning Signs of Skin Cancer?

The main warning signs of skin cancer include changes in moles and other changes to certain areas of your skin. Moles might change in color, shape or size when they are cancerous. You might also develop lesions on your skin or brownish spots. You should have a skin cancer screening done if you notice any of these signs or if you have a higher risk of skin cancer.

How Can I Take Care of My Skin Naturally?

Protecting your skin from the sun is the best way to care for it naturally and lower your risk of skin cancer. This means covering up outdoors, shielding your eyes with sunglasses that block UV rays and avoiding direct sunlight in the middle of the day.

Can Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?

Sunscreen can lower your risk of skin cancer if you apply it often enough and correctly. You should wear sunscreen that is a broad spectrum one, and you should apply it about a half hour before going outside. Reapply it every couple of hours as long as you are outside, sweating, or have gone swimming.

What Time is It Safe to Not Wear Sunscreen?

You should get in the habit of wearing sunscreen whenever you’re going to be outside. The sun’s rays can affect your skin in winter, as well as during summer. These rays are also present even on overcast days.

To learn more about skin cancer prevention or to set up a screening, make an appointment today with Keys Dermatology of Key West and Islamorada, FL. Our office has offered the highest quality of dermatological services.

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