Prevention of Melanoma

Preventing melanoma, which is a tumor of melanin-forming cells that leads to skin cancer, is extremely important. You can take steps to prevent melanoma by incorporating a few easy habits into your daily life.

Apply sunscreen often

Apply sunscreen whenever you are going outside. Start your day off with an application of body lotion with added sunscreen to keep your epidermis protected. On your face, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if you have fair skin. If you are going to the beach, apply sunscreen after every dip in the water, and every 2 hours, even if you stay dry. Make sure to cover every bit of skin that is exposed to the sun. New spray-canister sunscreens make it easier than ever to protect yourself from the sun.

Stop tanning

If you are serious about protecting yourself from skin cancer, you must stop tanning. Despite what pop culture tells you, a tan is never just a healthy glow. A tan is your skin's way of saying that it is damaged, and unfortunately the type of damage done by a tan is the same type that leads to melanoma. Play it safe, and use fake tanners and bronzers to achieve a sun-kissed look instead.

Wear sunglasses

Sunglasses not only prevent wrinkles like crows' feet, they are also key in the prevention of melanoma. A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is the first step in good eye health habits. Melanoma can develop in the eyes, and wearing sunglasses during daylight hours dramatically cuts your risk.

Remember, all skin types and colors are at risk for melanoma, though the prevalence is higher in fair-skinned people. If you apply sunscreen whenever you go outside, stop tanning and wear UV-blocking sunglasses, you are well on your way to creating a healthier, more sustainable relationship with the sun.