The sun and your skin

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s post will be mainly about Skin Cancer Awareness.

Melanoma is the 2nd most common cancer in women 15-29 years old. Also women younger than 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if the tan indoors!

Protection is very important.

First cover up! I know the summer sun can be very hot. However, lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants help block some of the damaging UV light. And don’t forget your eyes, wear sunglasses with UV protection.

Use sunscreen! A great choice of sunscreen is broad spectrum sun screen. This type blocks both the harmful UVA light and the UVB light. Apply generously over your skin that is exposed to the sun. Don’t forget your ears, hands and feet. Plus use a lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Both the sunscreen and lip balm should be used 20-30 minutes before going into the sun. Re-Apply at least every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.

Stay in the shade! Try to limit your time in the sun between the hours of 10a.m. and 2 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Also, give up tanning both indoors and outdoors. Be careful around water, sand, snow or anything that reflects the sun. The reflection can increase your chance of getting a sunburn.

Also, if you see a new or suspicious spot(s) on your skin or anything is itchy, changing or bleeding call your dermatologist.

To find a free screening for skin cancer in your area go to:

https://www.aad.org/scs/Notifications/Default.aspx?action=add

Other great websites:

To learn more go to SpotSkinCancer.org

https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent/protect-yourselfie

https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer