7 Top Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention

As spring fades into summer, this is the time of year when your skin is most at risk for exposure that can lead to skin cancer.

This month, Price Skin Care Clinic joins the Skin Cancer Foundation for ‘Skin Cancer Awareness Month’ with reminders on how you can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

“As skin care professionals, we see the damage done to skin from overexposure to the sun,” said Richard Price, M.D., of Price Skin Care Clinic in Ridgeland, Mississippi. “Thankfully, skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. So, it’s important that we take time to talk about the dangers of skin cancer and remind our patients and others of the preventive measures they can take to keep their skin healthy and cancer-free.”

With that in mind, here are our seven top tips for skin cancer prevention.

Tip #1: Wear Sunscreen
Without a doubt, sunscreen is your first line of defense to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. You should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it before going outdoors and reapply it after swimming.

Tip 2: Shade is Good
The sun’s rays are at their strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We advise staying out of the sun during these hours, or at least limiting your time in the sun to 1-2 hours after liberally applying sunscreen. Maximize your time outdoors in the morning and late afternoon when the sun’s rays are least harmful.

Tip #3: Cover Up
Protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses can shield the skin from the sun. You can find clothing made from lightweight, breathable materials with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) ratings. And don’t forget to protect your feet by leaving sandals and flip flops at home and wearing shoes and socks.

Tip #4: Stay Away from Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are never a good idea – no matter the season. The effect on the skin is the same as the sun. Don’t use them.

Tip #5: If You See Something, Say Something
You are more likely to notice any changes or abnormalities in your skin before anyone else. So, keep an eye out for anything that looks new or different: such as a new mole, a mole that has changed in size, shape, or color. If you see something, say something. It could save your life.

Tip #6: Drink Water
Drinking enough water is important year-round but especially so in the warm weather months when it’s easy to get dehydrated. Water intake helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated, which makes it less susceptible to sun damage.

Tip #7: Check Your Meds
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medications to make sure that none of them increase your sensitivity to the sun and as a result, increase your risk of skin cancer.

If you have questions about your skin health or would like to schedule your annual skin screen exam, give us a  call at: 601.992.3996.