Being a fair skinned Irish girl, my whole life I have been warned about the dangers of skin cancer. I have seen first hand my family members getting skin cancers removed, the scars the cancer leaves behind, and even death from skin cancer that went unnoticed.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Most skin cancers can be effectively treated if they are spotted early enough. Prevention is crucial and so is awareness to know how to identify cancer. Wearing SPF everyday may sound like a daunting task, but it is a simple step that could save your life one day. Add at least an SPF 30 into your morning routine, applying to any skin that will be exposed. Potent UVA and UVB rays can cause damage even on overcast days. Follow these simple steps to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.
- Always wear at least an SPF 30 on exposed areas of skin.
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeve shirts and hats.
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses that protect against UV rays.
- Avoid the sun if you are using any harsh or prescription acne products, retinols and vitamin A’s, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, etc.
- Avoid the sun if you have recently had a dermaplane, microdermabrasion, chemical peel, laser treatment, laser hair removal, etc.
- Limit your sun exposure while taking antibiotics or any prescriptions that can make you photosensitive.
- Re-apply SPF throughout the day.