Skin Cancer: Prevention is Key

By: Kenneth Surr

Although skin cancer usually happens to Caucasians, those who work outside, smokers and people with a family history of skin cancer, everybody is at risk these days as the statistics demonstrate. Cases of skin cancer have doubled every 10 years over the last 40 years and we need to take action to keep it from happening to us.

There are two types of skin cancer that are very lethal if left too late. Therefore, it is crucial to follow these skin cancer prevention tips. The following information is sourced in part from the world's largest healthcare organization, NHS Direct Online.

The best way to protect your skin against cancer is to take care in the sun. Take preventative action and avoid burning the skin. Cover up with loose fitting clothes, because the damage is done the minute the skin has been burned by the sun.

Make sure to cover your legs and arms if at all possible as well. Heat stroke can be prevented if you wear loose fitting clothes and drink lots and lots of water to replace what you lose.

Tightly woven fabrics will provide the best protection from the sun. It's also important to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during the afternoon hours. The sun is at its strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you must go outside during these times, be sure to cover up with clothes, wear a hat and sunglasses, and apply plenty of sunscreen.

You should always use a sun protection lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Children, people who live in constant exposure to the hot sun and fair-skinned people should choose a lotion with an SPF of up to 40.

Before you venture out into the sun, make sure that your entire body is covered by sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. At the absolute minimum, make sure that your face, hands, feet and neck are covered. Remember that the most vulnerable parts of your body are the spots that are not usually exposed to sunlight, so keep those protected as well.

Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapplied every couple of hours. Perspiration, water and friction from towels will cause the protection to wear off. Even waterproof sunscreen should be reapplied after swimming.

You should also consider wearing waterproof sun protection when you are out swimming. UVA and UVB rays can pierce through two feet of water. You should also remember that clouds and fog do not prevent the ultraviolet rays from penetrating and getting to your skin -- that's the job of the ozone layer (which we by the way are killing off).

Even on cloudy days, it's important to cover up with SPF 15, put on a hat and wear sunglasses that have UVA and UVB filters. The sun's rays can damage the retinas of the eyes and ultimately create cataracts, so it's important to protect yourself today to avoid future disease and discomfort.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

Author Kenneth Surr loves writing for numerous web sites, on health diet fitness and health care topics.
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