How to Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Yikes! It is the most common type of cancer in America. If you have had more than 5 sunburns, your risk doubles. Protecting yourself all year long can help you to reduce your chances. But please, do not avoid the sun, it’s your best source for Vitamin D which is needed for strong bones and a healthy immune system. Read on for a few tips to keep you protected and to learn how to lower your risk of skin cancer.

Higher Risk Groups

First, know which groups are at a higher risk: UNPROTECTED Golfers, Construction Workers, Truck Drivers, Life Guards, Surfers, Outdoor Campers and Camp Counselors just to name a few. Remember that the sun reflects off snow, water, and sand, so protection 365 days is essential. Are you out on cloudy days? Yes, those rays break right through.

Everyday Tips

Secondly, knowing a few practical tips makes a difference: Wear a wide rim, tightly woven hat, baseball cap or sun visors; wear your sunglasses to protect the skin around the eyes; carry a parasol; wear loosely fitting clothing with long sleeves and long pants; explore solar clothes; seek shade between 10 am – 4 pm; avoid tanning booths (especially if you’re under the age of 35).

Your best protection will be derived from using a shot glass or golf ball size amount of broad spectrum sunscreen, which reduces your melanoma risk by 50%. Broad Spectrum means you are protected from UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays. A simple tip to remember the difference: UVA = Aging, UVB = Burning. UVA causes premature aging, dark spots, age spots, lines, and wrinkles. UVB burn leads to cancer.

Apply sunscreen 15 – 30 minutes before sun exposure. Keep newborns out of the sun and do not apply sunscreen to their skin until they reach 6 months of age. Apply sunscreen to back of hands, especially while driving. Yes, those rays travel straight through your windows and windshield. If your head is shaven, apply plenty of sunscreen to the scalp.

My Favorite Brand

Check that your sunscreen is coral reef friendly, water resistant, high performance, and dermatologist, allergy and irritancy tested. My favorite brand of sun protection is SPF 50 and 50+, has enhanced skin care benefits to both condition and moisturize my skin, and the after sun relief is lightly scented to smell like PARADISE. Here is what the line includes.

For the Body

Sun Body Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 50+ stays on strong even after swimming or sweating. However, since you will towel dry, you will need to reapply. It’s water resistant up to 40 minutes, so reapply. After 2 hours of sun exposure, reapply. As you can see, reapplication is important for your protection. This formula soothes and protects from daily stress, locks in moisture, includes Vitamin E for skin conditioning, and Provitamin B5 to condition and moisturize. The Elderberry Fruit Extract provides age-defying benefits.

Sun Spray On Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 50 is easy to apply and great for the entire family. The children love this. Do not spray directly to your face. Spray into your hands and apply to face. Don’t forget the extra care to your nose, ears, and back of neck. Apply to toes and behind the knees, too. Leave nothing exposed. This light-weight, oil-free, non-aerosol spray keeps your skin conditioned with shea butter, Vitamin E, and elderberry for age-defying benefits.

For the Face

Sun Face Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 50+ helps defend skin against UV ray damage and signs of aging as it conditions skin with a breathable formula that absorbs quickly while delivering a refreshing burst of hydration. It’s lightweight, oil-free, and safe for all family members 6 months and older.

Sun Tinted Face Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 50+ uses a Color Match technology to blend with every skin tone. It blurs imperfections with a sheer, lightweight coverage. Great for those days you want to skip the foundation. It goes on white and releases pigments as you blend.

After Sun Care

Ahh..I love to rehydrate my skin with the Sun Cooling After Sun Relief Lotion. It deeply conditions the skin with age-defying ingredients.

You can be proactive in reducing your chances of skin cancer. And remember to check your body for new moles or blemishes and changes in shape, size, and texture to existing moles. If there’s anything suspicious, check in with your doctor.