February is National Skin Cancer Prevention Month so we want to take this opportunity to encourage people to practice safe sun habits. Florida has an average number of 237 days of sunshine per year, but the sun’s UV rays can have damaging effects on your skin. We don’t want you to miss out on enjoying a day outside for golfing, pickleball, or strolling our beautiful beaches.
Did you know?
- 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
- More than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
- Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
- When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.
These statistics from the American Academy of Dermatology can be startling, but knowing what you can do to help prevent becoming a skin cancer statistic is both simple and effective. To keep your chance of skin cancer as low as possible and maintain your skin’s health, we’re sharing the top 5 ways to protect yourself against the sun and its damage.
1. Use sunscreen
Did you know you can get sunburned on an overcast day or even while driving in your car? That's why it's crucial to choose and use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, applying it every day to safeguard your skin from harmful UV rays.
2. Avoid the sun’s peak hours
Try to stay out of direct sunlight during midday, 10 am - 3 pm, when the sun is highest and the rays are most direct. If you’re outside during these times, try to find shade or have an umbrella you can sit under.
3. Wear protective clothing
Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and longer skirts help protect you from the sun’s UV rays. Sun-protective clothing made from a special fabric to help form a protective barrier against the sun’s rays is also worth the investment.
4. Put on your sunglasses and hat
They’re not only stylish, but will help protect your skin from sun damage, lessening dark spots, wrinkles, and possible skin cancer.
5. Stay away from tanning beds
People who use tanning beds increase the risk of melanoma and are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. The intense exposure to artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation in tanning beds can accelerate skin aging and contribute to other skin-related issues.
Book your annual skin check
Be sure to give yourself a skin check every couple of months and have yearly skin checks with your dermatology provider. Annual check-ups play a pivotal role in identifying any suspicious moles, lesions, or changes in your skin that could indicate the early stages of skin cancer or other dermatological conditions. No one is as well-trained as our dermatology providers to evaluate your skin, so be sure to schedule and keep up with yearly head-to-toe skin checks.
Ask about Photodynamic Therapy
At Florida Dermatology Specialists, we utilize Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) primarily for treating precancerous lesions on the skin, although it can also address sun damage. PDT uses a photosensitizing agent and a specific wavelength of light to target and destroy abnormal cells or structures.
Sun damage itself cannot be undone, but with the advanced cosmetic technologies at our practice and our dedication to the prevention and treatment of skin cancer, the effects of sun damage on your skin can be minimized!
Have Fun in the Sun
So go ahead and enjoy the amazing February weather and this beautiful state we live in, as long as you follow our safe sun tips! As we recognize National Skin Cancer Prevention Month, Florida Dermatology Specialists, the leading choice for skin cancer prevention and treatment, understands that skin cancer prevention requires a comprehensive approach. Your best defense begins here!
Book your next skin check at our Stuart or Palm Beach Gardens location to experience personalized, expert care tailored to your unique skin needs.