The sun makes us happy but can be our skin’s worst enemy. Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the primary cause of skin cancer. Approximately 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanoma cancers are associated with exposure to the sun’s UV rays[1]. The good news is that it’s easy to reduce your skin cancer risk by practicing sun safety.
UVA and UVB are the two main types of the sun’s rays, and both contribute to skin cancer by damaging the DNA in your skin:
Skin cancer risk increases as we age, as UV exposure is cumulative. Skin damage accumulates over the years from prolonged time outdoors and activities like golfing, gardening, yard care, dog walking, commuting to work, etc. Over time, damage to the skin’s DNA triggers mutations that cause cells to multiply rapidly, leading to skin cancer.
Every time you tan or burn, you damage the DNA in your skin. The more the skin is damaged, the greater your risk of skin cancer and premature aging, which is why it is important to enjoy the sun safely.
Fortunately, you can keep your skin healthy, reduce the risk of skin cancer AND enjoy outdoor activities by following our simple sun-safety tips. Because UV rays penetrate clouds and glass and reflect off snow, water, sand and cement, skin cancer prevention requires a LAYERED, comprehensive “sun smart” approach throughout the year.
Daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%[3]. Sunscreen also prevents skin damage that causes wrinkles and age spots. People who use sunscreen daily with an SPF of 15 or higher show 24% less skin aging than those not using daily sunscreen[4].
To maximize protection, SPF products can be incorporated into your daily skin regimen, including lip balms, tinted moisturizers and facial powders, and even anti-aging formulas. View our curated collection of professional brand sun protectants at Shop.PinnacleSkin.com.
Proper use of sunscreen is essential. If you experience a sunburn, it usually means you did not follow one or more of the following tips:
No sunscreen filters out 100% of the sun’s rays, so we recommend the following steps to protect your skin:
Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Visit your Pinnacle Dermatology provider for an annual skin exam, and see them earlier if you notice anything changing, itching, or bleeding on your skin. Never ignore a new mole or a changing mole, especially if it is larger than a pencil eraser, has irregular borders, bleeds, has an uneven surface, or if you notice more than one color. Schedule your annual Total Body Skin Exam today.
Say yes to sun protection and NO to skin cancer. We can save lives by sharing facts about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and encouraging one other to check our skin for warning signs. Please share this article with your family and friends.
[1] https://www.skincancer.org/press/2018-skin-cancer-awareness-month/
[2] https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
[3] https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
[4] https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
[5] https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/sunburn/
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