Summer is the season for lounging in the pool or on the beach, but too much unprotected time outside can put your health at risk. The sun’s rays can damage skin surprisingly quickly. A sunburn might not seem like a big deal in the moment, but it increases your chances of developing serious diseases down the road. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so we’ve put together some tips and warning signs to keep in mind.
Always Wear Sunscreen
Every time you’re outside, wearing sunscreen is the best way to prevent skin damage from sun exposure. Reapply about every 90 minutes or more, especially after swimming or any activity that makes you sweat. Use a liberal amount of lotion each time and be sure to cover those easy-to-miss areas such as your ears, neck, and underarms. When you’re swimming or playing a sport, even underarms are susceptible to the sun’s rays.
Sun protection helps reduce your risk of skin cancer and prevents wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging.
Signs to Watch
The biggest weapon in the battle against skin cancer is early detection, so keep a close eye on your skin. Go to a dermatology provider regularly for skin checks, and at home, watch for any abnormalities.
These can include, among other warning signs, the appearance of new moles, an open wound, or a scar-like area of flat, waxy skin. Speak to a professional if you notice any abnormalities as soon as possible. This helps ensure that if you do need to treat skin cancer, you can do so before it becomes serious.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. But when detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.
Luckily, lowering your risk of developing it as well as of experiencing serious complications is straightforward. Regular trips to a dermatology office can help catch any cancer early while wearing plenty of sunscreen and spending as much time in the shade as possible can help prevent its formation entirely.
Texas-based Nourish Skin Care Products provides a variety of organic products to protect and care for your skin. Visit www.nourishskincareproducts.com to learn more about the natural ingredients that make our products unique, or shop now. Reach us at [email protected] or online.
