Smart Suggestions To Protect Yourself From Skin Cancer

Getting a little sunshine is one of the great joys in life, but too much sun can be dangerous. The sun can cause many skin problems, including skin cancer. Here are some smart suggestions to help you protect yourself as much as you can.

Steer clear of direct mid-day sun. In most regions, the sun's rays are the strongest during those mid-day hours. Outdoor activity during this time period, from 10am through 4pm, can lead to sunburns and this damage increases your chances for skin cancer over time. Don't be fooled by a cloudy afternoon. Those clouds offer scant protection from the sun's UV rays. The best choice is to schedule outdoor activities before or after mid-day.

Stay away from tanning beds. Tanning beds give off UV rays just like the sun, so they are just as dangerous to your skin's health. As well, people can become addicted to the tanning bed ritual, meaning you are spending even more time in UV rays than you would normally. You may think you look better with a tan, but is that bronzed look really worth the danger associated with using tanning beds?

Always put on sunscreen. Sunscreen can help protect you from some of the dangers from direct sun. If you get into the habit of putting it on daily, you will be much better off. Do it year round. The sun's rays are dangerous no matter the season, and the consistency will keep your good habit going. Note, though, that sunscreen does not block all UV rays. Using it is not a free pass to constant outdoor activity with no concerns. You need to pair sunscreen with other good sun protection habits to get the best results.

Wear UV blocking sunglasses when you are outdoors. Your eyes and the sensitive skin around them need protection, too. Sunglasses that have been built to block 99%+ of UVA and UVB rays offer some serious protection. For the ultimate benefit, choose wrap around sunglasses as they cover the greatest amount of skin around your eyes.

Choose the right clothing for ultimate protection. Clothing that is tightly-woven and darker in color offer better protection than loose knits and lighter shades. And obviously, the more skin you cover, the better off you are. If you are concerned with how much sunlight you are getting, opt for longer sleeves, pants and long skirts.

Be aware of the medications you are taking and how they affect your sunlight sensitivity. There are many common drugs out there that can make your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. In no time at all, you may be suffering from a sunburn if you are on these medications and not aware. Some of the more common types of medications with this side effect include cholesterol medications, antibiotics, diabetes medications and acne medications. Talk to your doctor if you are unclear whether sunlight sensitivity is a side effect you should be concerned about.

Yes, the sun can be dangerous, but if you are careful and follow these tips you can alleviate the risks for sun-related problems, including skin cancer. Take it seriously; your well being is in the balance!