At Placer Dermatology and Skin Care Center in Roseville, CA, we are dedicated to providing personalized treatments and services to help maintain the health and beauty of your skin. An important way we can do that is by providing you with the information you need to protect your skin and your health as you go about your normal routine.
The importance of sun protection for preventing skin cancer cannot be overstated. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. Hundreds of thousands of skin cancer cases are diagnosed every year. The good news is that with proper sun protection, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
Find the Right Sunscreen
Finding a good sunscreen might seem difficult because of the many options on the shelves. But, there are a few key things you can look for to make sure you are properly protecting your skin.
Keep an eye out for broad-spectrum sunscreens that offer protection from both ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) and ultraviolet B radiation (UVB). These are the harmful rays from the sun that can damage the skin and lead to the development of skin cancer.
Your sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher. You should also look for a good water-resistant sunscreen. It will protect your skin for a longer period while in the water or while sweating. Remember to regularly reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
What to Wear
Wearing the right clothes when you know you will spend time outside is very important. Clothing works as a protective barrier from the sun’s harmful rays, so wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts can be a great sun protection strategy.
A hat offers a lot of protection for the sensitive and thinner skin around your face. Try to find a hat that covers your ears and the back of your neck. Sunglasses offer protection for both your eyes and your eyelids which are very sensitive.
Another good way to protect your skin is to find a nice shady spot to spend your time outside. Even if it’s not unbearably hot, sitting out under the sun can cause damage to your skin even if you are wearing protective clothes and sunscreen.
Recognizing Signs of Skin Cancer
Whether you spend a lot of time outside or not, it is important to be able to recognize some of the signs of skin cancer because early detection plays a critical role in effectively treating the issue. Doing regular skin inspections takes only a moment of your time and can be incredibly beneficial.
You should keep an eye out for any changes in the color, texture, or appearance of your skin. This can include a new spot, mole, growth, or patch. Changes to existing moles or growths on your body can also be an indicator of skin cancer. Take note of how these areas normally look, so you can tell if any changes occur.
In most cases, skin cancer forms around areas of the body that are most frequently exposed to the sun. This includes areas like your:
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
- Chest
- Face
- Scalp
Schedule a Consultation Today
At Placer Dermatology and Skin Care Center, we offer skin cancer diagnostic testing and treatment options. If you are concerned about any changes in your skin, do not hesitate and contact our office in Roseville, CA to schedule an appointment with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Artur Henke.