There are many factors that determine the likelihood that you will develop skin cancer, including your genetics and family history of the disease. However, one of the main risk factors — exposure to the sun’s UV rays — can be mitigated if you take the proper preventive steps.
One of them is to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and to apply it liberally to all of the exposed parts of your body. Putting it on your skin 30 minutes before heading outside will make a difference in how much protection you get. Reapply it every two to three hours, especially if you are active.
Beyond sunscreen, you can take other simple precautions to avoid too much exposure. Protective clothing like hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sunglasses will also block the sun and can keep you from getting burned. If you’re particularly sun-sensitive, stay in the shade or out of the sun altogether during the sun’s peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Inova Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center offers screening, detection and treatment of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in early and advanced stages. The office is located at 8505 Arlington Blvd., Suite 100, Fairfax, VA.
Learn more about our doctors and treatment options at inova.org/skin.
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