Protect Your Skin – In the middle of winter it may not seem to be a pressing issue, but sunny days and hot temperatures are not that far away! When the days get longer, it’s only natural to spend more time outdoors to soak up the sunshine. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks of skin cancer and some of the best ways to protect your skin.
Protect Your Skin
According to the New York City-based Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with the disease every year in the United States than all other types of cancer. The foundation also states that approximately twenty percent of Americans develop skin cancer by the time they reach 70. Naturally, it is the sun’s ultraviolet rays that inflict damage on the skin and are present the primary cause of skin cancer. Too much exposure to ultraviolet rays can also contribute to eye damage and facial wrinkles.
It may seem obvious, but it’s still worth repeating: your best protection is to shield your skin either by clothing or with an effective sunscreen. Bearing that in mind, to reduce your risk of skin damage and developing skin cancer when the weather turns warm don’t forget to:
- * Wear sufficient clothing – particularly a hat with a wide brim – to cover as much of your skin as possible.
- * Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 or higher when you’ll be in direct sunlight. Apply another layer every two hours.
- * Limit how long you’re exposed to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- * Do not use tanning beds or a sunlamp.
Learn more about how to protect your skin by contacting us at the Women’s Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery. Skin cancer is definitely a risk to be aware of for many women. But, thankfully there are effective steps you can take to prevent it. To learn more, get in touch with the Women’s Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery at 630-232-7860 or reach us online 24/7.
