How to Prevent Sun Damage and Skin Cancer | Little Leaves Clothing Co

How to Prevent Sun Damage and Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States. Long-term sun exposure drastically increases your likelihood of contracting skin cancer. Fortunately, this risk can be mitigated by implementing sun safety strategies. Here are a few ways to prevent sun damage.

UV Radiation Causes Sun Damage and Skin Cancer

There are two types of UV light that have been proven to increase the risk of skin cancer. The first, UVA, has a longer wavelength and is responsible for skin aging. The second, UVB, has a shorter wavelength and is responsible for skin burning. Both types of radiation damage skin cells and cause mutations that can lead to skin cancer.

What About My Tan?

UVA rays are responsible for tanning. This radiation penetrates the skin at the deepest level, causing genetic deformities of the innermost layer of cells. Tanning also results in exposure to UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburns and damage to the outermost layer of cells. This is true for tanning beds as well, which predominantly use UVA radiation. Almost 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the United States each year are due to indoor tanning.

Risk Increases Over Time

Damage from UV exposure is cumulative. The damage done to cells builds up over time, triggering mutations that cause cells to replicate rapidly, which can lead to malignant tumors.  In fact, the majority of melanoma cases, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are attributable to UV exposure. Reducing sun exposure early and consistently is the most effective way to reduce the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. 

Reduce Sun Exposure

Reducing sun exposure is the only surefire way to prevent dangerous UV rays from damaging your skin. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreens, which shield against both UVA and UVB rays, every two hours protects exposed skin. Wearing sun-protective clothing is a smart and easy way to cover most of your skin. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and wide-brimmed hats significantly reduce sun exposure. Clothing's UPF represents its protectiveness against UV rays, including both UVA and UVB. Traditional clothing usually has a UPF of less than 30, indicating low protectiveness. Little Leaves' sun-protective clothing has a UPF of over 50, meaning more than 98% of UV radiation is prevented. 

Prevent Sun Damage and Skin Cancer

Wearing sun-protective clothing regularly drastically reduces your chances of contracting skin cancer. Little Leaves has a wide variety of stylish, comfortable, and protective clothing for all ages. Created and produced by doctors, you can be sure that Little Leaves will protect both you and your little ones.