May is Melanoma Prevention Month, and as we begin to shift into shorts and sleeveless tops, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun.
Melanoma impacts 1 in 5 Americans, with multiple sunburns doubling the risk of diagnosis. However, when detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99% — hence the importance of taking care of your skin. Whether you’re looking to correct photodamage from the past or prevent it in the future, we got you. Keep scrolling for our top 5 ways to keep your skin safe from the sun.
Invest in Good Sunscreen and Wear It Daily
By now, you should already know this one, but it’s worth repeating because of its importance. Always apply an SPF of at least 30 to exposed skin. UV rays are present regardless of weather, so apply, re-apply, and then apply some more. We recommend investing in a medical-grade product that won’t irritate the skin and is guaranteed to work.
Cover Your Skin and Stay Out of Direct Sunlight
The best defense is a good offense, and that rings true for protecting yourself from the sun. When possible, avoidance is the safest tactic. At the beach? Wear a hat and stay under the shady part of the umbrella. Especially during peak sun hours from 10 am – 3 pm, it’s important to avoid too much exposure.
Check Your Skin
Standing naked in front of a mirror may not be your idea of fun, but it’s important to pay attention to any new spots that pop up. Taking inventory of anything that has changed or stayed the same is imperative to protecting yourself and ensuring your safety. Be sure to flag anything suspicious to your dermatologist for further testing.
Switch to Self-Tanner & Spray Tans
There is no such thing as a safe tan, and even brief exposure can result in damage. We’ve come a long way from streaky orange stereotypes. Celebrities like Ashley Graham have even started their own lines of self-tanner to encourage the trend. If you’re set on getting a sun-kissed glow, faking it is the only safe way. Additionally, Spray tans can be a great way to achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.
Treat Existing Damage
Although preventing sun damage is your safest bet, that’s not always possible. Treat existing photodamage through microneedling. Microneedling works by creating minor injuries in the skin that encourage skin cell turnover, promoting new collagen and elastin growth. The regenerated skin is healthier, firmer, and rejuvenated.
Adding radio frequency (RF) to the treatment can enhance the correction even further, signaling new cell growth for months to come. The treatment is effective for sun spots and premature signs of aging.
Summer is nearly here; make sure you and your skin are prepared adequately. If you have further questions about what you can do to protect your skin or reverse existing damage, give us a call. We’re here to bring you into the sunniest season feeling confident and empowered: 508-369-4677.
