Top 10 Recommendations to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Summer is here, and with it comes the wonderful warmth and sunshine we all love. However, it’s important to remember that the sun can damage our skin if we don’t take the necessary precautions. The most dangerous risk from sun exposure is developing skin cancer:

• More people are diagnosed with skin cancer yearly in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.
• About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
• More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
• Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
• When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” may be a time-worn cliché, but it is still true. Here are the top ten recommendations for protecting your skin from the sun from the professional team at Medical Dermatology Specialists in Atlanta.

1. Wear sunscreen every day – Sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect your skin from the sun. Wear at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. Apply it generously, and make sure to reapply every two hours.
2. Wear protective clothing – Wearing protective clothing is another great way to protect your skin from the sun. This includes long-sleeved shirts, hats and sunglasses. Look for clothing that is specifically designed to block UV rays.
3. Seek shade – If you’re going to be outside for an extended time, seek shade. This includes under trees, umbrellas or other structures that can block the sun’s rays.
4. Avoid peak sun hours – The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, try to avoid being outside during these hours.
5. Be aware of reflective surfaces – Water, sand and other reflective surfaces can increase your exposure to the sun. Be sure to take extra precautions when you’re near these surfaces.
6. Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, but it can also help protect your skin from the sun. When you’re dehydrated, your skin is more vulnerable to damage.
7. Choose the right sunscreen – Not all sunscreens are created equal. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Also, choose a water-resistant sunscreen if you’ll be in the water.
8. Check the expiration date – Sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time. Make sure to check the expiration date and replace your sunscreen as needed.
9. Be mindful of medication – Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you’re taking any medications, check with your doctor to see if they can increase your risk of sun damage.
10. Get regular skin checks – Regular skin checks can help detect any signs of skin damage early on. Make sure to visit a dermatologist regularly to have your skin checked.

The Medical Dermatology Specialists Clinic in Lawrenceville can help you prevent and detect skin cancer through regular screenings. A skin cancer screening can take approximately 15 minutes to perform.  Our dermatologist will check for birthmarks, moles and unusual markings during the screening. Skin cancer screening is available at the Lawrenceville Medical Dermatology Specialists clinic in Gwinnett County.

Atlanta Skin Cancer Specialists

Protecting your skin from the sun is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. In addition to excessive sunlight exposure or severe sunburns, the following conditions also pose a higher risk for skin cancer:

• Fair complexion
• Family history of skin cancer
• Multiple moles
• Atypical moles
• Occupational exposure hazards

The professional dermatology team at Atlanta Medical Dermatology recommends regular skin cancer screenings, especially if you have any of the above risk factors. Early detection of skin cancer is critical for successful treatment. We can provide the most advanced skin cancer treatment plans that are customized to your specific needs for the best chance of defeating skin cancer.

Of course, we would prefer that you take actions to prevent skin cancer, including protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure. Following the top ten recommendations above, you can enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin safe and healthy.

Contact the team at Atlanta Medical Dermatology to schedule a skin cancer screening or inquire about other skin-related concerns.