Did you know that one in five American adults develop skin cancer at some point in their lifetime? This sheer prevalence makes skin cancer the most common type of cancer in the United States.
If there’s a silver lining to this, it’s that skin cancer is also the most preventable type of cancer. Whether you are a sun-worshipper but worried about skin cancer or someone who’s just proactive about their health, these tips from our highly credentialed dermatologists here at Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology can help you keep the deadly disease at bay.
Tip #1 Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen is your first line of defense against the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays.
UV rays are usually of two types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays, which have a longer wavelength, can penetrate deeply into your skin and can leave you prone to wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays, on the other hand, have a shorter wavelength but higher energy and can cause sunburn, which is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
When buying sunscreen, choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The higher the SPF of your sunscreen, the better skin protection you can get.
Tip #2 Seek Shade.
If you must go out and spend time outdoors, you can still limit your sun exposure by seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., when UV rays are most intense.
Tip #3 Don’t Forget the Sunglasses and a Wide-Brimmed Hat.
The skin around your eyes is just as delicate as that of the rest of your body. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can help you ensure you’re protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays when you spend time outdoors.
Tip #4 Ditch the Tanning Beds.
You might think that the sun is the only source of harmful UV rays, but frequent use of tanning beds can also put you at a greater risk for skin cancer. In fact, tanning beds emit 10 to 15 times higher amounts of UV radiation than the sun, increasing your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent.
While glowing skin has been perceived as a symbol of prestige in American society, you don’t have to sacrifice your health just to hop on the bandwagon. Getting a tanning lotion or spray can give you a natural-tanned look while protecting yourself from skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Specialist in Athens, Lake Oconee, and Commerce, GA
If you’re in search of a reliable skin cancer specialist within the Athens, Lake Oconee, or Commerce area in Georgia, visit us here at Georgia Skin Cancer & Aesthetic Dermatology. Our board-certified dermatologists pride themselves on their commitment that goes beyond providing top-notch medical and aesthetic treatments. As strong proponents of preventative care, we take pleasure in sharing useful information to empower our patients to take better care of their skin.
To schedule a consultation with one of our skilled skin cancer specialists, call us today at 706-543-5858 or fill out this appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!