There are about 99,780 new melanoma cases diagnosed in the United States every year. In total skin cancer has become the most common type of cancer nationwide. Thankfully, it is also one of the most preventable cancers. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to speak up about the dangers of this disease and share information that will help to save lives. One of the most important messages we are sharing this month is that everyone with skin should protect their skin and get it checked. At the age of 36, Bob Marley developed a melanoma on his toe that ultimately took his life. Although rarer in skin of color, skin cancer can occur in both sun and non-sun exposed areas of skin.
At TONE Dermatology, we place a significant emphasis on sun safety for skin health in all skin tones. When working with patients, we outline the importance of using sunscreen, recognizing the signs of skin cancer, and other steps you can take to protect yourself from skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Sun Safety Practices You Need to Know
1. Seek the Shade
If there is one thing you should learn from Skin Cancer Awareness Month, staying out of the sun is an important step to preventing skin cancer. Solar radiation peaks between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so aim to avoid excess amounts of sun during peak hours and seek shade during these times. You should also avoid artificial sources of UV rays, such as sunlamps and tanning beds.
2. Avoid Sunburn
Sunburn hurts you in more ways than one. In addition to short-term pain, discomfort, and redness, it can cause long-lasting sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging. In addition, it is the leading cause of squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
3. Keep your Baby Protected
Skin cancer prevention awareness starts from the day you are born. A Baby’s skin is incredibly sensitive and should always be protected from the sun. It is important to keep newborns out of the sun and use baby-friendly broad-spectrum sunscreen after six months of age.
4. Cover-Up
If you need to get out of the house during peak hours, make sure to cover yourself up. Opt for long-sleeve shirts and pants. In addition, don’t forget to wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat.
5. Use a Broad-Spectrum SPF Sunscreen
Choose a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for daily use. We recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is water-resistant if you plan for outdoor activities. At TONE Dermatology, we offer various sunscreen options for every occasion and skin type and tone.
6. Apply and Reapply Sunscreen as Needed
We recommend choosing a face moisturizer with a 30 to 50 SPF factor for daily use. In addition, you should apply sunscreen to all exposed parts of your body 30 minutes before going outside. While outside, reapply the product every two hours or after excessive sweating or swimming.
7. Examine your Skin Regularly
Carefully examine your body every month and visit a dermatologist for a professional exam once a year. A mole that bleeds or changes in size, color, or feel can signify skin cancer, and early detection can save your life. Skin cancers that occur in non-sun exposed sites such as the palms and soles are possible in all skin types which is why getting checked can be so important.
Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?
The National Sunscreen Day on May 27th coincides with Skin Cancer Awareness Month for a reason. Using broad-spectrum SPF on a daily basis is shown to reduce the risk of melanoma by 50% and lower the squamous cell carcinoma risk by approximately 40%. In addition, high-quality sunscreen products can help to prevent the signs of premature skin aging, such as age spots, wrinkles, and sagging.
Of course, sunscreen alone isn’t enough to help you keep safe from the sun and avoid the risk of skin cancer altogether. However, it is a crucial part of a full sun protection strategy.
Best Sunscreens for Skin Cancer Prevention
Not all sunscreen products are made the same. To achieve optimal protection, choose the products with broad-spectrum protection and a factor of 30 or higher. At TONE Dermatology, we recommend making sunscreen a “must-have” part of your daily skincare routine. For example, you can replace your moisturizer with a moisturizing sunscreen or use a tinted sunscreen lotion in place of your regular foundation.
Below, you will find some of the best sunscreen products we recommend for our clients to use.
Best Sunscreen for Hyperpigmentation: EltaMD UV Clear 46 Tint
This broad-spectrum SPF 46 sunscreen helps to calm and protect sensitive skin from dangerous sun rays. This oil-free sunscreen is tinted and blends seamlessly to cover any signs of uneven skin and hyperpigmentation.
Best Sunscreen Stick: MDSolarSciences Tinted Solar Stick
A lightweight, easy-to-apply mineral SPF 40 lightly tinted stick for anyone on-the-go. This quickly lays down a powerful sheer tinted SPF shield that blends seamlessly with all skin tones for a matte uniform finish. This product has a clean mineral formula, incredible texture, and leaves no white cast. It helps prevent sunburn, damage to overexposed skin, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
Best Anti-Aging Sunscreen: Revision Skincare Intellishade Clear
This broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen takes the form of an un-tinted, oil-free, and lightweight moisturizer filled with anti-aging peptides. The product protects against UVA and UVB radiation while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica is an ideal lightweight sunscreen lotion for all-day use, which provides mineral broad-spectrum sun protection. The product contains unique DNA Repairsomes, important enzymes that work to repair previous sun damage, such as sunspots and wrinkles.
Best Body Spray: MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray
Fast-drying, non-greasy, and lightweight, this SPF 40 spray is made with safe ingredients. Packed with powerful antioxidants, like Vitamin C and Indian Gooseberry, it helps fight sun damage and free radicals for worry-free protection and nourishes and protects every day. Thanks to its 360-degree continuous mist, you’re able to swiftly and evenly apply its broad-spectrum and water-resistant formula all over your body.
Keep Your Skin Healthy with TONE Dermatology
The health of your skin starts with awareness and continues with everyday actions. The National Fast-drying, non-greasy, and lightweight, this SPF 40 spray is made with safe ingredients. Packed with powerful antioxidants, like Vitamin C and Indian Gooseberry, it helps fight sun damage and free radicals for worry-free protection and nourishes and protects every day. Thanks to its 360-degree continuous mist, you’re able to swiftly and evenly apply its broad-spectrum and water-resistant formula all over your body.
Want to learn more about what you can do to prevent skin cancer? Contact Us Today!