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.
Basically, the best way to protect your self from skin cancer is to take care in the sun is to take preventative action and be sure you don't burn your skin. Once you have been burnt the damage has already been done, so remember to cover up with loose fitting clothes.
In addition to skin cancer, heat stroke is another serious health concern caused by overexposure to the sun. You can help to prevent heat stroke by wearing loose-fitting clothes and drinking plenty of water to replace what's lost through perspiration. Be sure to cover your arms and legs if possible.
The best clothes for sun protection are those made of fabrics that are tightly woven. Also, try to avoid being out in the sun during the hottest hours of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you must be outdoors during these hours, cover up with clothes, use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
Always use a sun protection lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, although exceptionally fair-skinned people, children and people living in exposed areas of the world need to use lotions with an SPF of up to 40.
Your entire body should be covered by your sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. While it's always necessary to cover your exposed areas including the face, neck, feet and hands, don't forget the other areas that may be exposed. Remember, the most vulnerable parts of your body are those that are not normally touched by the sun.
Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply it every couple of hours. Sweat, water and friction from towels and lawn furniture will cause the lotion to rub away, so it's important to keep reapplying it. Even waterproof lotion 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).
In addition to the skin, you must protect your head and eyes from the sun's damaging rays. Always wear a hat and sunglasses that have UVA and UVB filters in the lenses. Ultraviolet rays can harm the retinas of the eyes and create cataracts.
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