Cancer and Healthy

It is important to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun. By protecting your skin, you can dramatically reduce the chance that you will suffer from skin cancer at some point in your life. Unfortunately, many people assume that protecting their skin is difficult or troublesome. In reality, practicing good skin cancer prevention techniques is rather easy and involves several simple steps.

Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a very important tool in your efforts to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. All sunscreen is marked with a number such as 8, 15, or 30; this is known as the Sun Protection Factor and is abbreviated as SPF. An SPF of 30 (or above) will provide the best protection; sunscreen with a lower Sun Protection Factor will not protect your skin adequately. In addition, search for a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection so that you have full defense against the different kinds of rays the sun emits.

Once you have chosen your sunscreen, read the directions carefully. It is essential that you apply an adequate amount of sunscreen; too little will not offer the full protection you are seeking. In addition, many sunscreens wash off after swimming or sweating. If yours does, be sure to reapply as necessary.

Protective clothing
Many people assume that their clothing offers ample protection against the sun. Unfortunately, this is generally not the case. The sun's rays can penetrate a t-shirt or other garment and leave you with painful sunburn. You can, however, find clothing that will offer protection from the sun. An internet search for "sun protective clothing" will yield numerous results.

A good hat
Just as you apply sunscreen to your body, you must provide protection for your head. A hat will provide protection for your scalp; however, the right kind of hat will offer additional protection. For example, a baseball hat only protects your scalp and forehead; however, a hat with a wide brim all the way around will protect your face, neck, and ears, as well. Make sure that your hat has a weave that is tight enough to protect your head from the sun's rays.

Sunglasses
Remember to protect your eyes, too. A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes and make you more comfortable.

Ditto for children
Although adults can take these and other steps to protect themselves from the sun, children require assistance. When children are taught about sun protection from an early age, it becomes routine for them. Regardless of the age of the child, an adult should supervise the application of sunscreen to ensure that it is done correctly.

The best kind of skin cancer prevention
It is important to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun; fortunately, it is also easy. When you protect your skin, you are practicing the very best kind of skin cancer prevention.