Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer

When it comes to preventing skin cancer, early and effective action is key. As your dermatologist in Salt Lake City will share, there are plenty of safeguards that you can put into place as well as minor lifestyle changes you can implement in order to keep your skin healthy and cancer-free. Here are our top tips for preventing skin cancer.

Choose the Right Sunscreen

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is to lather it regularly in sunscreen. When shopping for sunscreen, look for one that offers protection of at least 15 SPF. The number correlates to how much UVB filtration the cream will offer. As a rule of thumb, know that SPF 30 will block out approximately 97% of the sun’s rays for a period of time.

Time Your Outdoor Activities Wisely

Another great way to prevent skin cancer is to spend as little time outdoors as possible when the sun is at its strongest. If you regularly engage in gardening, swimming, or another outdoor activity, then try to avoid those activities between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. If you do have to be outdoors during this time, use sunscreen and make sure you are wearing SPF clothing and a hat to keep the sun off of your skin.

Ditch the Tanning Beds

Do you frequently tan using a tanning bed or tanning booth? If so, then eliminate this bad habit immediately. These methods of tanning your skin are incredibly detrimental to your overall skincare and heighten your risk of developing skin cancer. Skin doctors agree that young people are especially vulnerable to the risks of tanning beds and should never spend time under the UVR light of a tanning bed.

If you’re concerned about skin cancer, then consult with a cosmetic dermatologist at Swinyer – Woseth Dermatology. We offer skin cancer screenings and can assist you in developing a personalized skincare routine. To learn more about our services or the skincare products we recommend, call 801-266-8841.