Skin Cancer Prevention

Minimize Exposure

Minimize sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as golfing, gardening, running, walking, or boating, try to schedule them outside of these “peak sun hours.” While it is unfortunate that these peak sun hours also fall during peak outdoor activity hours, you can still mitigate your sun exposure by seeking shade as often as you can and wearing clothes that cover the majority of your skin.

Use Sun Protection

Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater at least one half hour before going outdoors, and reapply as directed on the product label. Look for products containing avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide. These products have the highest chance of providing broad spectrum protection, blocking UVA and UVB rays. Choose a cream-based sunscreen if you have dry skin, and a gel-based or a non-comedogenic formula if you have oil or acne-prone skin. Choose a water resistant formula if you will be sweating or in water. If you do this, however, remember that even these sunscreen formulas must be applied every 80 minutes.

If your ears, or portions of the scalp, are exposed due to short or thinning hair, remember to apply sunscreen to these areas as well. Make sure to use sunscreen on overcast days as well, as ultraviolet rays can be just as damaging to your skin on cloudy, hazy days as they are on sunny days. You should use sunscreen while you are at low altitudes, near the equator, and especially at high altitudes, as the sun is stronger because the sun’s rays are hitting the earth most directly. Protect your lips with lipstick or a lip balm containing sunscreen. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, wide-brimmed hat, and ultraviolet blocking sunglasses. Avoid use of the UV beds at tanning salons. If you need a little “color”, use a sunless tanning lotion or get a spray tan.