With warm weather and Memorial Day weekend coming up, most of us will spend much more time outside for extended periods. Most skin cancers come from prolonged time in the sun without sunscreen, sunburns, and tanning beds.
Common misunderstandings about tanning
A tan will prevent you from developing a sunburn
A tan is healthy
Darker-skinned people don’t need sunscreen
Tanning beds are safer than the sun
If you don’t get a sunburn, tanning is safe
Who is most susceptible to Skin Cancer?
If you have fair skin, you are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer, but virtually anyone who has skin can potentially be at risk. Specific eye colors can put you more at risk as well. Skin cancer is more common in lighter-colored eyes like blue, green, and hazel. You may be at greater risk for skin cancer if you have red or blonde hair. A weak immune system can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer; a family history of skin cancer can also put you at risk.
Skin Cancer in People of Color
While having more melanin in the skin offers some natural protection, skin cancer affects people of all skin colors, like Asian, Mediterranean, and African people. If you hear anyone say that people of color can’t get skin cancer, know it is a myth. When people of color develop skin cancer, it is more common to see it in areas of the body that don’t have pigment, like the inside of the mouth, under the nails, and the soles of the feet. It’s important to pay closer attention to these areas when doing a self-skin check.
Skin Cancer and Men
Skin cancer affects men and women differently. Unfortunately, men are more likely to die of skin cancer than women. After age 50, men are more likely to develop skin cancer than women. Men tend to go in for skin checks less than women, which would allow for early treatment sooner. Skin cancer has a high cure rate if addressed early on, so men must do monthly skin checks and regularly see a dermatologist. Men tend to like sunscreens that are very lightweight and have a gel consistency.
Children and the sun
A sunburn in childhood makes you twice as likely to develop skin cancer later in life. If you have a child less than six months old, you will want to find a way to keep them in the shade on beach and pool days as much as possible.
What can help to decrease your chances of developing skin cancer?
Use sunscreen every day and reapply it
Make sure to have healthy balanced meals that include fruits and veggies
If you plan on being outside for an extended period, wear a hat
Avoid outdoor activities when the sun is strongest between 10-2
Make sure you are doing self-skin checks every month
Schedule regular appointments with your dermatologist for a skin check
Apply your sunscreen thirty minutes before going out in the sun
Facts about Skin Cancer
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
For more information on skin cancer, check out:
Vitamin C Serum Benefits
Exposure to the sun increases the production of free radicals, which damage the skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps repair skin damage and neutralize free radical damage. Consuming vitamin C in your diet will help you, but getting a daily dose on your skin will also help you concentrate it on your skin. Vitamin C serums need to go on in the morning for maximum benefits. A vitamin C serum will never replace sunscreen but will benefit your skin. Vitamin C is a multi-benefit serum that is an excellent addition to your morning routine and can aid in skin cancer prevention when used with sunscreen.
Have questions? I’m here to help!
Teresa
