The Ultimate Guide to Skin Cancer Prevention

While skin cancer is one of the most prolific types of cancer, it’s thankfully one of the most treatable. That is, as long as it’s caught in the early stages.

While successful treatment is, of course, fantastic. The key to skin cancer survival isn’t just about reacting to it—it’s also vitally important that we all take steps to prevent it from occurring in the first place.

Read on to discover everything you need about protecting your skin at all stages of life.

Skin Cancer Prevention: everything you need to know

• It’s never too early to start a skin cancer prevention regime
• The 1, 2, 3 of skin cancer protection

It’s never too early to start a skin cancer prevention regime

Skin cancer can affect anyone of any age, sex, background, or skin color. While it’s true that lighter skin tones are more at risk, this doesn’t mean that those with darker hues should be complacent.

You’re never too young to begin a skin cancer prevention regime. Protecting the skin from UV rays is essential at every stage of life. Parents should ensure they don’t allow babies and children to spend excessive time in the sun unprotected.

The 1, 2, 3 of skin cancer protection

Now we know that skin cancer protection is a lifetime responsibility, let’s look at the simple 3 steps you can take to minimize your risk.

1. Protect, protect, protect:  While we all need a healthy dose of daily sunlight for the production of vitamin D, this can be achieved without exposing unprotected skin. The use of high-factor sunscreen at all times—even in winter—is key. It’s easy to find makeup that includes sun protection. If you’re wearing short-sleeved Ts, vests, shorts, or any other clothing that lets the sunlight hit your skin, then slather on the factor 50 (anything less simply isn’t worth it)

2. Stay out of the heat of the day: Gone are the days of lying for hours on the beach—or it should be—as we all know the dangers. Sadly, you only need to cast an eye on any stretch of sand to see this isn’t so.

However, today’s wonderful fake tan products mean you can rock the bronzed god or goddess look without baking your skin to a crisp (and causing your skin to prematurely wrinkle and age).

Of course, we all want to feel the delight of the sunlight. So, when outside, take advantage of hats, long sleeves, or sitting in the shade. Such careful steps will dramatically reduce your chance of skin cancer, while still allowing you to enjoy all the joy that an alfresco lifestyle brings

1. Check your skin: This means noticing any changes in moles or skin marks—easily done each day when you bathe or shower. Once a year, make an appointment with a dermatologist to have a professional skin cancer check. It only takes minutes and is as important as your other regular healthcare appointments.

If you notice any mole or patch of skin that gives a cause for concern, then book an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible. It’s probably nothing. But if it is a cancerous or precancerous area, then prompt intervention is the key to a complete cure.

Book your Annual Skin Cancer Checkup at Bayou City Dermatology Today

An annual check by a dermatologist underpins all the great work you do throughout the year to protect your skin. At Bayou City Dermatology, this is one of the most crucial appointments that our clients undertake—and it only takes a few minutes of your time.

You can book a skin check in isolation or as an add-on to any of our other services. We’re also here for you should you have a worrying mole or other mark. We can perform any necessary biopsies and minor remedial surgery, should any further action be needed.

Discover more about our comprehensive skin cancer services at https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/clinical/skin-cancer