Even if your skin has been sun damaged by years spent engaging in outdoor activities or intentional tanning, it's never too late to reduce your risk of skin cancer, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Repeated, excessive sun exposure is a major cause of cancer of the skin, from the types of cancer that are easy to cure to melanoma, which can endanger your life. Most types of skin cancer can be prevented simply by exercising good sun protection. Additionally, you'll also avoid more extensive photoaging--wrinkles, sun spots and irregular pigmentation--as well as irreversible macular degeneration in your eyes caused by the sun's harmful UV rays.
Step 1
Avoid tanning. This includes laying in a tanning bed or using a sun lamp, says the AAD, which are just as harmful. The AAD points out that if you intentionally tan, you have a 1 in 5 chance of getting skin cancer. Stick with sunless tanning lotions and sprays if you want a golden glow.
Step 2
Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 that gives you broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Integrative physician Dr. Andrew Weil suggests looking on the product's label to make sure it contains Parsol 1789, which offers protection against both. Put sunscreen on at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and don't forget to cover your ears, neck, nose, hands, toes and lips. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after you sweat or get out of the water.
Step 3
Wear clothing that protects you from the sun. Look for clothing with a tight weave that covers your arms and legs. The AAD points out that some manufacturers sell clothing specifically designed for sun protection, as well as laundry additives that enhance the clothing's sun protection. Ask your doctor if she can recommend specific brands or products.
Step 4
Don a hat and put on the shades. Look for a hat with a wide brim that provides shade for both your face and neck. Your sunglasses should block out almost 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, says Dr. Weil.
Step 5
Stay out of the sun when its rays are the strongest: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you're outdoors during these hours, stay in the shade as much as you can.
Step 6
Perform self-examinations regularly. Mayo Clinic experts advise looking for changes in moles, freckles, birthmarks and other bumps. Use mirrors to check the back of your neck, back and ears. Look in nonobvious body spaces, such as the soles of your feet, between your toes and buttocks and your genital region. Call your doctor if you notice anything that appears suspect. For more information on how to examine your skin, see Resources.
Step 7
Consider enhancing your diet to get vitamin D that you'd normally get from the sun. Dr. Weil advises taking 2000 IU of vitamin D supplement daily, regardless if you live in a cloudy or sunny region. He also states that you can go out without sun protection, but only for a few minutes--that's all it takes for you to get the requisite amount of vitamin D that the sun's rays provide.
Tips and Warnings
- Skincare expert Paula Begoun points out that many cosmetics contain built-in sunscreen, from your daily moisturizer to your foundation, powder and lipstick. To see how to apply these to get the best sun protection, see Resources.
- Certain prescription and nonprescription medications can cause you to be more sensitive to sunlight, cautions the Mayo Clinic. These include antibiotics, birth control pills, some medications used to treat hypertension and diabetes, anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen), and the oral acne medication, isotretinoin.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen (SPF 30)
- Protective clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Vitamin D supplement
