Skin cancer and melanoma are risks you take every time you step outside. Make sure you and your family are protected. Follow these simple rules.
- Limit your time in the sun. Stay indoors or seek shade when the UV rays are most dangerous, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Use a water-resistant sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it liberally and reapply every two to three hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or perspiring.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, which produce UVA and UVB rays just like the sun and are the leading cause of cancer — including malignant melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer. Tanning beds increase your melanoma risk 75% before age 35.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats to cover your head, face, neck and ears.
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 99% or more of UV light.
- Wear clothing such as long-sleeve shirts and pants. If you wear cosmetics, choose a high-SPF/broad-spectrum label.
- Wear lip balm and makeup products that have an SPF of 30 or higher.
Some source material from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Skin Cancer (CDC.gov/Cancer/Skin)
Protecting your skin is one of the things you can do to live a healthier life. Read more at HealthyDelaware.org and get started on a healthy future.