It is important to follow skin cancer prevention steps on especially sunny days. Learn helpful tips by reading our guide.
Skin cancer doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone and the results can be devastating. Even on cloudy days, it's still important to protect your skin from the sun's damaging UV rays. Even if you only step outside for a couple of hours, you still need to protect yourself from the sun.
How can you do this? There are several helpful skin cancer prevention tips and tricks to keep in mind each and every day. In the guide below, you'll find a list of all the most important tips for preventing skin cancer and reducing sun exposure.
Continue reading to learn more!
Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours
Although the sun's UV rays are harsher in certain areas of the world, the fact of the matter is that the sun is everywhere. You're exposed to the sun each and every time you go outside, no matter where you live. Those living in locations where the sun is stronger should be even more careful, but it's important for everyone to follow basic skin cancer prevention tips.
For starters, be sure to avoid the sun during its peak hours. The hours of 10 am-4 pm are when the sun is the strongest. If you're outside during these times, then you'll want to protect yourself as best as possible.
For example, if spending the day at the beach, then try to sit under an umbrella for the majority of the time between these hours. This is true even during the winter or during cloudy days. Do note that spending time outside when it's overcast can sometimes trick people into thinking they're safe from the sun.
Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Clouds won't protect you from damaging sun rays.
Always Wear Sunscreen When Outside
Another important rule to follow is to always wear sunscreen when spending time outside. This, again, is true even when it's overcast outside. When choosing a sunscreen to wear, be sure that it's at least SPF 15. You'll want to reapply the sunscreen every 30 minutes if you're sweating or swimming.
Reapply every two hours, otherwise. If you're going to be under intense heat from the sun for several hours, then you may even want to increase the SPF to ensure optimal protection. Try to keep an on-the-go sunscreen tube on you at all times.
Put one in your car, in your purse, or anywhere else where you can easily access it when needed.
Wear UV Clothing When Spending the Day Outdoors
Remembering to reapply your sunscreen can be a challenge at times, especially when you're busy and have a lot going on. You also might not have the luxury of being able to avoid the sun during peak hours. When this is the case, you can rely on UV clothing.
You'll still want to use sunscreen, but only on exposed parts of the skin. When wearing UV clothing, covered skin is already protected from the sun. UV clothing is ideal for those who spend lots of time outdoors golfing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, boating, walking, running, playing tennis, and more!
This type of clothing is also beneficial for everyday wear, no matter what you're doing. You can then wash your UV clothing and wear it again without the worry of the UV protectant washing away.
Stop Going to Tanning Beds
Do you enjoy spending time in the tanning beds? If so, then now is the time to stop. Unfortunately, tanning beds use UV lights to give you that tan skin you're looking for.
Exposing yourself to the UV rays in the tanning beds can damage your skin and possibly cause cancer. Instead of going to the tanning bed, consider using different types of artificial tanning products. To ensure the safest tan, you should also consider finding tanning creams, lotions, or sprays that are made with natural ingredients.
Conduct Regular Skin Inspections
If you don't already have a dermatologist that you see on a regular basis, then you should search for one as soon as possible. You'll want to visit your dermatologist on a regular basis. During these appointments, your dermatologist can inspect your skin for you and pinpoint anything that looks like possible skin cancer.
This is ideal because they'll be able to address it early on and hopefully treat it before it worsens or spreads. You should also conduct regular skin inspections yourself. If you notice any spots on your skin that are new, then be sure to bring those up with your dermatologist.
Don't Forget Your Sunglasses and Sun Hat
To complete your outside ensemble, you're going to need sunglasses and a sun hat. Sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the sun, which is also important. Without sunglasses, you'll find yourself squinting constantly.
This can then cause migraines and eye problems. A sun hat will protect your scalp and face from harsh sun rays. If big enough, it'll even help protect the top of your shoulders.
It's Time to Take Skin Cancer Prevention Seriously
Skin cancer is nothing to take lightly. If you want to keep your skin healthy and beautiful, then be sure to follow all of these great skin cancer prevention tips.
Are you ready to purchase your own UV clothing items for optimal sun protection? At BOLQUV, we have UV clothing for the entire family. You can shop for men's, women's, kids', or by activity to help you find the right UV clothing for your needs.
Start by looking at our web exclusives and then browsing through all other categories until you find the best UV clothing item for you!
