Some say Spring is the most beautiful time of the year. However, Spring is also a time when you’re at a higher risk of UV skin damage because of intensifying sun rays. Following sun safety tips for your skin can keep you protected against skin cancer.
Sun Safety Tips for Spring
Choose Protective Clothing
Wearing appropriate clothing is essential to protecting yourself from the sun, injuries, and weather-related conditions during the spring season. Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats can help to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, especially on days when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Look for clothing crafted from tightly woven materials or with built-in sun protection like UPF clothing.
Remember to Apply Sunscreen
Always try to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin, such as your face, neck, and ears.
Be Mindful of Your Sun Exposure
Exposure to UV rays without protection can harm the immune system. Furthermore, skin cancer is primarily caused by the sun’s radiation. Long-term UV exposure may lead to sunburn, premature aging, and eye damage.
Make sure to check the UV index forecast from the National Weather Service before heading outdoors. Avoid being in direct sunlight during peak hours, and limit your time in the sun to a few hours, even if you are using sunscreen with SPF 30. When spending time outdoors, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter to lower your risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
Schedule a Dermatologist Appointment in Fort Myers, FL and Naples, FL
Being well-versed in sun safety, skin cancer prevention, and overall skin health is especially crucial for Floridians. Spring is an ideal season to schedule a skin cancer screening, particularly if it’s been a while since your last one or if you’ve never had one performed by a dermatologist. Regular skin examinations are crucial in detecting and preventing serious skin conditions like melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Identifying skin cancer requires a high level of expertise, which is why physicians recommend board-certified dermatologists for an accurate diagnosis. Harris Dermatology‘s team of board-certified dermatologists is fully committed to helping you detect, treat, and prevent skin cancer. Schedule your skin cancer screening today by calling 239-936-3344 (Fort Myers) or 239-596-1848 (Naples).