With lots of folks spending time at the beach for the long Memorial Day weekend, it’s important to remember to protect yourself from the sun. Skin cancer is the number 1 cancer for 20-something women and according to the American Cancer Society, it has increased by a shocking 72% in New York alone during the last 10 years.
Having a sun burn doubles your chances of contracting melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. About 160,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year around the world.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
- Minimize Sun Exposure – Don’t use tanning beds and try to minimize your exposure to the sun between 9am and 3pm. Use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and that has a SPF of 50 or higher. Don’t forget to use sunscreen on your face and ears!
- Get Checked Out – Go to a certified dermatologist for a skin check at least once a year. If you have noticed any abnormal skin coloration or new moles, (especially if they have an abnormal shape or color), schedule an appointment with a dermatologist right away.
- Get Your Endorphin Kick Elsewhere – Tanning can be addicting. Perhaps as addicting as smoking and other drugs. If you are suffering from a tanning addiction, it’s important to seek help. As with any addiction, it can also help to replace that addiction with a healthier endorphin kick such as spinning, Pilates, running, or sex. They are much better for you, and for your skin.
