The Scoop on Summer Skin Safety
During the summer months, I love to be outside with friends and family. But, being a redhead means I need to take extra sunscreen precautions and get regular skin check-ups with my Dermatologist. To my surprise, this was the year they found a tiny skin cancer on my face!
It was removed by the amazing surgeons and staff at the MOHs clinic at UCH Anschutz Campus Hospital. Wondering what a MOHs stands for? Here is the full description from the American Academy of Dermatology.
I’m happy to say, it’s all gone and already almost fully healed! Here’s the thing, it was the tiniest spot on my forehead. I would have never known it was cancerous if I wouldn’t have been into the dermatologist for my skin check.
So, here are some tips from the experts to help you keep your skin healthy according to the American Academy of Dermatology:
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Consider using a self-tanning product if you want to look tan, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable, and see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding.
Now that I am older, I realize most of the damage was from teenage days soaking up the sun. But, it’s not too late to create healthy habits for your skin. Quit procrastinating and schedule that appointment with your dermatologist today!
