5 Ways to Prevent and Protect Yourself From Skin Cancer This Summer

When it comes to sun protection, sitting in the shade isn’t enough to shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. It’s important to protect your skin in other, more effective ways, especially during the summertime. 

The sun’s UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation that can damage the DNA in your skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. Exposure to UV-rich sunlight also contributes to wrinkles and sun spots. 

Here at Arizona Center for Cancer Care, our team of leading oncologists is dedicated to spreading the word on sun protection ahead of the summer heat. While sun protection is important year-round, the sun’s rays are stronger during the summer, the days are longer, and you probably spend more time outdoors. 

We provide expert skin cancer treatment at our offices in Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Apache Junction, Sun City, Sun City West, Goodyear, and Tempe, Arizona.

In the meantime, here are five ways you can protect your skin and prevent skin cancer this summer: 

1. Apply and reapply sunscreen

Applying sunscreen once before you spend time outside can protect your skin for a little while, but you must keep applying it throughout the day to maintain its protection. You should reapply every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming, sweating, or drying yourself off with a towel. 

2. Choose your sunscreen wisely

The type of sunscreen you use matters too. While sunscreen shopping or perusing your cupboard, look for products with:

• Sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher
• Broad-spectrum protection, which shields you from UVA and UVB rays
• An expiration date in the future (don’t use expired sunscreen)
• An intact, unfaded label (excessive heat exposure can make sunscreen less effective)

Products that don’t exclusively advertise themselves as sunscreen, like lip balm or moisturizer, shouldn’t be used alone if they have an SPF under 15. 

3. Wear clothes with more coverage

Long sleeves and long pants can guard your skin from UV rays. Some clothes are made to offer UV protection and say so on the label. The uv protective clothing will be labeled "UPF".

Hats with brims are effective for protecting your face, neck, and ears from sunlight. Baseball caps, on the other hand, might only protect your face. In any case, continue using sunscreen instead of relying on an outfit alone. 

4. Limit your time outside

The sun’s UV rays are most powerful during the peak of the day, usually between 10am and 4pm. If possible, schedule your outdoor time outside of these hours. 

5. Avoid indoor tanning too

Some people might assume that indoor tanning can help them get some color without the harmful sun exposure. A spray tan is fine, but avoid indoor tanning beds and booths. These devices make your skin tan using the same UV radiation as the sun. 

Using tanning beds to get glowy summer skin can increase your risk of melanoma, a particularly harmful type of skin cancer, especially before age 30.

Are you worried about skin cancer this summer? Schedule an appointment online or over the phone at your nearest Arizona Center for Cancer Care today.