by Debra Arko, Featured Contributor
Warm weather means more outdoor fun. It also means Here Comes The Sun on your ever so sensitive skin. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin-cancer and is easily avoided with these simple steps.
1. Protect Yourself From The Sun
Research shows that using a S
PF 30 sunscreen that is water-resistant on both sunny and cloudy days is your best protection on bare skin. Natural health stores carry brands that limit the ingredients that harm your general health. One of my favorites is http://www.albabotanica.com/ that offers everything from lip protection to sunscreen.
Your real best bet though is what you wear. Always wear sunglasses made for sunlight protection. Use hats to shade delicate facial skin and your neck. If you want to stay looking younger these are key as sun creates wrinkle fast. Many vendors make lightweight clothes for wearing in the sun. These are best in darker colors. Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when the rays are strongest even on cloud-covered days.
2. Stay Out Of Tanning Beds
If you thought they are safer think, again some emit up to 12 times more UVA light than the sun according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. They go on to explain in literature that UVA rays damage skin cells not only adding years to your skin but they damage the DNA of your skin raising your risk of skin cancer. Research shows that tanning indoors increases your risk by 75%.
3. Scan For Abnormal Moles
Anyone can develop skin problems not only fair-skinned people. Look at your body monthly for moles that have changed in shape or size. Take note of new skin changes. Look at your back, arms, legs, neck, and face closely using mirrors when needed. If you live with someone, ask him or her to do a buddy check with you.
If you find anything unusual, talk with a dermatologist and get a full-body skin checkup once a year. Remember melanoma when found in early stages is usually curable. When it spreads to the lymph nodes or other organs the five-year survival rate drops to as little as 16%.
Here comes the sun simple means more fun outdoors good skin sense should be used year-round.
This Article was previously featured on Denver Accupuncture and is republished with permission.
