Here are some ways to protect yourself against skin cancer.
Skin cancer can happen to anyone. While you may assume that it only happens to sunbathers or tanning-bed enthusiasts, the fact is, is that even just being in the sun’s rays for a bit every day can still make you prone to skin cancer. Of course, along with early detection from our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Erin Fuller, and Dr. Sarah Grekin, there are steps you can take right this moment to help protect your skin.
How do you prevent skin cancer?
While you may not be able to 100-percent protect yourself against skin cancer, you can greatly reduce your risk by:
Wearing Sunscreen
Be honest with yourself: when was the last time you applied sunscreen? If you’re like most Americans, then you probably don’t. Only about 11 percent of Americans wear sunscreen daily and about 46 percent never wear sunscreen. Skin cancer can happen to anyone so you must be protecting your face and body by applying sunscreen every day (about 30 minutes before going outside). Also, remember to reapply every two hours.
Avoiding the Hottest Hours of the Day
If you want to go on your morning run or enjoy some time outdoors (after all, it is important to soak up some vitamin D) you may want to consider doing it before 10 am or after 4 pm, as that 10 am-4 pm window is when the Hawaiian sun’s rays are at their most powerful, which can also increase your risk for sun damage.
Seeking Shade and Wearing the Right Clothes
If you do have to go outdoors, especially during the sun’s peak hours of 10 am-4 pm, you must seek shade whenever possible. You should also wear clothes that cover your skin and are made from light colors and tightly woven fabrics. Remember that the sun’s rays can penetrate through transparent or knitted clothes.
Knowing How to Shop for Sunscreen
Most people don’t even know if they have a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is important since it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Getting Regular Skin Cancer Screenings
Even if you don’t think you’re at risk for skin cancer, it’s still important to visit our dermatologists here at our Honolulu, HI, practice once a year for a skin cancer screening. We can often catch subtle changes in the color, size, shape, or look of a mole to detect cancer early when it’s often treatable.
Do you need to schedule a skin cancer screening with our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists? Concerned about a new or changing mole? If so, call Dawson Dermatology today at (808) 599-3780 to book an appointment with Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Erin Fuller, or Dr. Sarah Grekin.