Your skin is your body’s largest organ, as well as its first line of defense. Overexposure to the sun can cause damage to your skin, the most severe of which is skin cancer. Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Use a good sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply generously thirty minutes before heading outside. Skin can be more sensitive as we age, so be sure to find a sunscreen that is right for you. Re-apply every two hours if you’re outside, sweating, or in the water. There are two basic kinds of sunscreen. One type uses chemicals to absorb the harmful UVA rays. The other is a sunblock that uses a physical barrier to prevent the rays from getting in, and it typically leaves a white film on your skin.
- Shade yourself. Use a hat or umbrella when outside.
- Keep well-hydrated. Fluids help keep skin healthy.
- Look at your medicine labels. Some medicines can make you more sensitive to the sun’s burning rays.
- Don’t try to get a tan because both suntans and sunburns can damage the skin.
- Skin gets thinner as we age. Sun exposure causes spots, excess wrinkles, and possibly skin cancer.
Following these tips can help keep your skin healthy. Be aware of the signs of skin cancer and make an appointment with a dermatologist yearly to screen for any abnormalities.