Don't get caught with your pants down... Protect your Skin!!!

Every year, there are more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States. However, the risk of skin cancer can be reduced by simply protecting your skin from the sun and its harmful UV rays daily.  So don't get caught with your pants down... Protect your skin!!!

Here are some easy ways to keep your skin protected every day:

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.  Sun hats, shades, and swim coverups are not just cute summer fashions.. they're a great way to keep your skin protected.

Always apply a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum (protection from UVA and UVB rays), water-resistant, and SPF 30 or greater. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after excessive sweating or swimming. 

How much sunscreen should you use?  A good rule of thumb is to use a shot glass worth of sunscreen for your body (that’s 1 oz)

Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn. A person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had just 5 or more sunburns in their lifetime. 

NEVER use tanning beds. The UV light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer (not to mention wrinkles!).  Pale is the new tan.. but if you want to look tanner, consider trying a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.  

Have a yearly skin check with your dermatologist. Know your spots and be aware of your skin and the moles you have. If you see any mole or lesion on your skin that is changing, itching, bleeding or growing, see a dermatologist ASAP. 

First skin check? Read my post “Get Naked and Get a Skin Check!” for what to expect
http://lovetheskinwerein.blogspot.com/2015/04/get-naked-and-get-skin-check.html

Avoid the sun’s rays when they are the strongest; between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A little tip is… If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade. 

Need to know how much protection to wear on a given day? 

Use the handy UV Index chart below!!

You can use your weather smartphone app to find the UV Index

 for your area at any given time.

As always, protect and Love the Skin You're In. 

Facts and UV Index chart provided by AAD.org