Anyone can get skin cancer, but some people have a much higher risk than others. The risk factors include:
- Fair skin. It doesn't contain as much of the natural pigment called melanin that scatters the sun's rays.
- Multiple moles or "beauty marks." Melanoma cells are more abundant in moles and freckles. The more beauty marks you have, the greater the risk that cancer cells will be present.
- A history of sunburns. Even if you've had only one blistering sunburn in your life, you have a higher risk for developing skin cancer.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROTECTION
Wearing sunscreen is essential for your skin care and sun protection. You should use it every day, especially when you're spending time outdoors.
Choose products with a high SPF.
It stands for "sun protection factor," and it's a measure of how well sunscreen protects your skin.
SPF refers to the length of time that sunscreen protects the skin. Suppose your skin naturally starts to burn in 20 minutes. If you use sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you won't begin to burn for 5 hours—15 times longer. Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Apply it often.
If you're swimming, sweating a lot, or rubbing your skin with a towel, the sunscreen is going to dissipate. Reapply this form of sun protection every 2 hours—more often if you're swimming or perspiring a lot.
Buy a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
These sunscreens will help block UVB and UVA rays. UVB light is the primary cause of sunburns, and protecting skin against UVA light plays an important role in preventing wrinkling and signs of aging. Choose a product that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone, also known as Parsol 1789.
Apply it with your makeup.
If you use moisturizers or other skin care products in the morning, it's fine to apply your sun protection sunscreen at the same time. First, apply topical medications if you use them. Let them dry, then apply alpha hydroxy acid or other anti-aging creams if you use them. Be sure to follow with a moisturizer, especially if you're using alpha hydroxy acids, which may have a drying effect on the skin. Then apply the sunscreen, followed by any makeup you're going to wear.
Give it time to work.
Sunscreen is most effective when it's absorbed into the skin. Rub it on about 20 minutes before you go outside.
Use the right amount.
It takes about an ounce of sunscreen to cover the average person's body. That's about the amount that would fill a shot glass.
ADD EXTRA PROTECTION
Wearing sunscreen helps to decrease the incidence of wrinkles and prevent the development of skin cancer. But sunscreen isn't enough by itself. Here are some additional skin care tips to protect the skin.
Always wear shades.
Sunglasses protect the delicate skin around the eyes from wrinkles. They also help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, the leading causes of vision loss in the elderly. Wear shades whenever you go outside, even on hazy days.
The best sunglasses block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB rays—look for ones that have labels claiming 100% or total UV protection. Wraparound sunglasses and styles that fit close to the eye are especially good because they prevent the sun's rays from coming in through the sides.
Wear a hat.
A tightly woven hat made of canvas, with a 4-inch brim all the way around, helps shade your face, ears, and the back of your neck.
Wear long-sleeve shirts.
And wear long pants. They offer the best protection from the sun's burning rays.
Buy clothing with tight-knit weaves.
It's best to buy tight-weave clothes, some of which have SPF ratings just like sunscreen.
PROTECT YOURSELF YEAR-ROUND
Sun protection shouldn't stop at the end of summer. Skiing without protecting your skin can be just as damaging as lying on the beach.
Avoid midday sun.
Whenever possible, stay out of the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the rays are strongest.
Stay in the shade.
Enjoy the outdoors from underneath a tree or umbrella—and even then, use sunscreen because UV rays bounce around a lot. You can get burned even when you're in the shade.
Forget about tanning booths.
For some people, the UVA rays in tanning booths can produce a tan faster than the sun can. That's because the rays are intense--and damaging.