A Three-Pronged Approach is Most Effective in Preventing Sun Damage and Skin Cancer

A Three-Pronged Approach is Most Effective in Preventing Sun Damage and Skin Cancer

An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, and rarely is this more true than it is in the case of skin cancer. The cost of removing stage IV melanoma can run over $170,000. Meanwhile, a bottle of sunscreen or a wide-brimmed hat can be picked up right at your corner pharmacy. Protecting yourself from the sun's rays is best accomplished through a three-pronged approach which includes diet, sunscreen, and skin protection. Find out more on how this approach can help in preventing sun damage and skin cancer.

Diet

It's well-known that what you eat affects the health of your skin. However, few people realize just how important diet is when it comes to preventing sun damage and skin cancer. Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can help protect your skin from sun damage, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy. Foods like citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and tree nuts are all high in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation caused by UV radiation.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an essential component of any skin cancer prevention regimen. It helps to protect your skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. These UV rays can cause cell damage and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. When selecting sunscreen products, be sure to select a product that has broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. 

For maximum effectiveness, you should also apply sunscreen before exposing yourself to the sun. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily. It also has the greatest benefit when applied regularly, and you shouldn't overlook applying it even on cloudy days or on days where you feel you'll have minimal sun exposure.

Skin Protection

Long-sleeved shirts, hats, and other protective clothing with tightly woven fabric are best for blocking UVA and UVB radiation. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rated clothes offer even more protection than traditional fabrics do. In fact, clothing with a UPF of 50 would block 98% of the sun's rays from reaching your skin, and when combined with sunscreen, the protective effect is even more pronounced. 

Using either clothing or sunscreen will drastically increase your level of protection. However, using both properly renders you essentially unaffected by the sun's rays.

Conclusion

Using just one approach will certainly render benefits when preventing sun damage and skin cancer. However, the most effective way to completely protect your skin is through a combination of diet, sunscreen, and protective clothing. 

Taking these steps can help you avoid expensive treatments for skin cancer down the road and keep your skin healthy all summer long. If you have any questions about how to best protect yourself from sun damage, please feel free to reach out for further advice!