5 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

One of the very best ways to prevent skin cancer is to avoid being outside between 10am and 4pm.

That is easier said than done, "right"? That is usually when most people HAVE to or WANT to be outside.

2. Ok...so, if you HAVE to or WANT to be outside, use sunscreen. This sunsreen has to have UVA and UVB protection that is SPF 30 or higher. The trick is, applying the correct amount. According to "the experts", you are to apply a shot glass full (that is one ounce) to your entire body that is exposed. The average person applies HALF that amount. And you are to apply it EVERY 2 hours. Be sure to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure. That will give the sunscreen optimal functionality.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 is a new, dermatologist tested sun protection formulation containing Helioplex technology. Helioplex delivers amazing UVA protection, preventing damaging UVA rays from penetrating deep under your skin's surface. Neutrogena's Dry-Touch technology absorbs excess sunscreen oils, leaving your skin clean and non-shiny. Serious sun protection never felt this light. $10.00

MD Formulations Sun Protector 30 Spray

Very water-resistant and sweat-resistant formula delivers broad-spectrum protection from UVB and UVA rays. Also contains vitamins C, E and A for antioxidant benefits, soothing aloe vera and natural eco-friendly essential oils to help repel insects. Convenient, non-greasy formula can be misted on hard to reach areas and dries quickly without a heavy or sticky feel. Ideal for those who do not like creams and lotions but want high-level sun protection. Perfect for active outdoor use.$24.00

Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30

Murad Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30 provides maximum full spectrum face and body protection for active lifestyles by resisting water for long lasting defense as well as shielding against premature fine lines and wrinkle formation. $31.00

Another great ways to prevent skin cancer is to wear protective clothing. And I don't mean a coat in the middle of summer.

- Sunglasses
- Broad-brimmed hat (for ladies)
- Baseball cap

The main idea here is to protect your eyes, ears, face and neck! These areas are the most sensitive areas that are always exposed to the sun.

Physician Endorsed Seville - Black

Physician Endorsed Seville - Black 100% solid color canvas hat with washable suede piping and removable chinstrap. Hat reverses to geometric crown. Adjustable headsize. Brim size 4-3/4". Physician Endorsed provides a chic, modern option to UV protection. All Physician Endorsed hats are independently tested to guarantee sun protection of UPF 50+ (equal to SPF 30). The innovative, chemical-free hats are specially constructed with tightly woven, natural fabrics, including 100% cotton and linen, designed to prevent cancer, wrinkles, and signs of aging due to sun exposure. $47.50

Physician Endorsed Ginger - Cotton Candy/Cactus

Physician Endorsed Ginger - Cotton Candy/Cactus 100% Canvas hat with contrast belt and underbrim. Belt can be reversed to match or contrast with hat color. Print lining. Adjustable headsize. Physician Endorsed provides a chic, modern option to UV protection. All Physician Endorsed hats are independently tested to guarantee sun protection of UPF 50+ (equal to SPF 30). The innovative, chemical-free hats are specially constructed with tightly woven, natural fabrics, including 100% cotton and linen, designed to prevent cancer, wrinkles, and signs of aging due to sun exposure. Brim size 5 $55.00

Physician Endorsed Purr-fect - Mocha/Leopard

Physician Endorsed Purr-fect - Mocha/Leopard is a lightweight large-brim sun hat with wire brim. Solid color reverses to animal print. Wire keeps the brim shape. Adjustable headsize. Brim size 5". Physician Endorsed provides a chic, modern option to UV protection. All Physician Endorsed hats are independently tested to guarantee sun protection of UPF 50+ (equal to SPF 30). The innovative, chemical-free hats are specially constructed with tightly woven, natural fabrics, including 100% cotton and linen, designed to prevent cancer, wrinkles, and signs of aging due to sun exposure.$60.00

Avoiding the tanning bed is a great way to prevent skin cancer and it will save you money. I recommend this tip highly, for personal reasons. There is absolutely no need to subject yourself to direct UVA and UVB light.

Tanning beds also can cause some additional damage, too. If you don't wear the protective eye wear (which a lot of people don't, since they don't want the "white eye syndrome") you can damage your corneas. You can also dry out your skin a whole lot faster. Unfortunately, I speak from experience. I haven't damaged my corneas, but, my skin is SUPER dry, not to mention very flaky. I can't put enough lotion on my body to get rid of the flakes.

Laying in a tanning bed is also "addictive". You feel and notice you are "losing" your tan, so you have to keep going. Those twenty or thirty minute sessions are "so much easier" than laying out in the sun for your "healthy, golden" tan.

My story is like many others, I am sure. I wanted a deep, dark tan. But, I absolutely DO NOT like laying in the sun. Besides, I don't have time to lay out. So, I figured I would go and get some sessions at the local tanning salon. At the time, I never heard anything bad about getting "that" kind of tan. I was young I wasn't thinking of ways to prevent skin cancer.

Well, I got really tan. I would go several times a week. I didn't like those white circles around my eyes, so I quite using those goggles for protection. Then I started noticing how much dryer my skin was getting. No matter, I was still going to keep my tan. I went all summer. I was addicted. I didn't want to stop going, but no one has a tan in the fall and winter (at least not where I was from). So, I had a really (I mean REALLY) hard time "quitting" the tanning salon.

After I quit going and my tan faded, I started to notice how "scaly" my legs looked. Almost like a snakes skin after it molts. I was scared. So, I went to the dermatologist. He told me it was permanent skin damage from the tanning bed. I had over-exposure to the UVA-UVB rays.

Since then, I lather up when I go outside, but I NEVER go to a tanning bed. I don't know what kind of damage I have done to my face or corneas for not wearing those goggles. I am almost 40 now. So, only time will tell. But, I do check my freckles and moles often.

Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50

Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 Facial Moisturizer for All Skin Types This light, non-greasy moisturizer nourishes and hydrates your skin while also protecting it from the sun's harmful rays. Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Protection from UVA and UVB Radiation Non-Greasy Fragrance Free Non-comedogenic. $14.60

Vivite Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

Vivite Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 provides the skin with lightweight, non-greasy moisture as well as superior sun protection. A 12% glycolic compound enhances cell renewal, promotes translucency and aids in the reduction of visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. An SPF of 30 shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, resulting in a healthier and younger-looking complexion. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals to prevent the formation of visible signs of aging, allowing the skin to remain smooth and youthful in both tone and texture. The complexion takes on a brighter, softer and more beautiful appearance. $49.00

One of the ways to prevent skin cancer is by checking out your body regularly for moles. Get to know your moles. How do you this...check out the video below! I highly recommend it!

Things you will need to check your moles:

- Full-length mirror
- Hand-held mirror
- Good Lighting

Optional:

Digital Camera
Blow Dryer