Alester Brown

Tips on How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Estimates show that roughly 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day! While some people have a higher risk than others, anyone can get cancer due to exposure to ultraviolet rays. It's important to visit an SF dermatology clinic for annual screenings. In the meantime, you should also follow these tips to lower your risk and prevent skin cancer. Discover healthy, radiant skin at our SF dermatology clinic - visit this website for expert care!

Avoid Tanning

Fortunately, the trend of excessively tanned skin is largely behind us. However, suntanning is still popular throughout the United States. Tanning beds are widely available in gyms and spas.

Avoid using indoor tanning devices. While you might not have exposure to the real sun, tanning beds expose your skin to ultraviolet light. Tanning beds emit roughly 12 times more UVA than natural sunlight!

If you want a tanned look, consider self-tanning products or sprays. They can darken your skin safely, minimizing your risks of skin cancer.

Cover Up

When you go outside, do your best to cover your skin. The best approach is to wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. You can also don a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and sunglasses to protect the eyes.

If possible, stay under shade as much as possible. Shade structures don't eliminate UV exposure but can decrease the amount of ultraviolet light hitting your skin.

Wear Sunscreen

Before heading out the door, lather up with sunscreen. It's best to use sunscreen on every part of your body that will receive sun exposure. That includes your neck and face.

Don't forget to bring the sunscreen with you! Most products only protect for about two hours. That means you'll need to reapply often.

There are many types of sunscreens available. The best have a high SPF rating and offer great sweat protection.

Visit a Dermatologist Yearly

Our final tip is to get skin cancer screenings at least once yearly. You can visit an SF dermatology clinic for thorough screenings. The goal is to catch signs of skin cancer early, allowing you to get treatment as soon as possible. Many dermatologists recommend getting screenings more than once yearly if you have a higher cancer risk. Consult with a dermatologist to see what's right for you.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about dermatology and Mohs Surgery. She advises people on the highest quality of exceptional medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologic care. You can find her thoughts at certified dermatologist blog.