May 6, 2024 is Melanoma Monday and May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
With summer just around the corner, many of us are ready to soak up the sun. But it’s important to remember to protect your skin every time you go outside.
Most cases of melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) are related to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. About 1 in 40 women and people assigned female at birth will develop melanoma throughout their lives.
Read: Melanoma 101 >>
The good news is that you can take steps to block the sun’s harmful rays and still enjoy your time outdoors. As a general rule, try not to schedule activities between 10 am and 4 pm when UV rays are strongest.
Here you will find more sun safety tips and products to help protect you from skin cancer.
Body sunscreen
Sunscreen is your superpower against UV rays that cause skin cancer. From head to toe, you should apply sunscreen 15 minutes before leaving the house and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Read: Quick Facts: What you need to know about skin cancer >>
There are many sunscreen options, but look for options that do not contain propylparaben or oxybenzone, two ingredients that have been linked to cancer.
And whatever sunscreen you choose, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends that the formula check the following boxes:
- A sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher
- A broad spectrum formula to protect against cancer-causing UVA and UVB radiation.
- Water resistance (even if you don’t plan to get in the water, these formulas stay on your skin longer)
As if protecting against skin cancer wasn’t good enough, sunscreen also helps prevent premature skin aging, including dark spots and wrinkles.
You could consider
Blue Lizard Sunscreen, supergoop sunscreen, black girl sunscreen
sunscreen for lips
Keep your lips protected with a lip balm, lipstick, lipstick, or gloss with SPF. Like body sunscreen, the AAD recommends SPF 30 or higher and reapplying it after two hours or after drinking and eating.
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reading sunglasses
A stylish pair of sunglasses that double as readers is the way to go if you enjoy a book on the beach. Sunglasses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and protects the delicate skin around your eyes. Look for a pair that blocks 99% to 100% of UV radiation.
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Sun protection caps
Hats with brim at least 3 inches It can shade all the right places, including your face, neck, and scalp. Look for tightly woven fabrics, such as canvas, for the most protection. Also consider color: Darker shades may offer more protection because they absorb harmful rays and keep them away from the skin. Note: If you’re considering a baseball cap, look for a brim that’s at least 3 inches, and don’t forget sunscreen on your ears, the back of the neck, and anywhere else that may still be exposed.
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Sun protective clothing
As temperatures rise, you may want to wear less clothing, but covering your skin helps block harmful rays when you’re outside. Choose light, long-sleeved shirts and protective clothing for your legs. For added protection, look for clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) In the label. The higher the number, the better: pieces with UPF 50 block 98% of rays. Like hats, darker colors offer more protection compared to lighter colors.
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