As the summer sun heats up, people will be hitting up pools, beaches, and spending more time outdoors. Problem is, all that sun exposure can be damaging. Not only can it age the skin faster, but it can lead to skin cancer. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country. Each year there are around 2 million people diagnosed with skin cancer. The good news is that there are things you can do to protect your skin this summer.
“It’s understandable that people want to get outside when the summer arrives, but it is so important to protect the skin when you do,” explains Dr. Sanjiv Saini, of MD Dermatology, with locations in Edgewater and Lexington Park, Maryland. “If you don’t take the time to protect your skin now there is a good chance you will need to see a doctor later.”
Taking action to help protect your skin this summer doesn’t have to be time consuming or complicated. There are many simple things you can do, including:
· Avoiding being outside during peak times. Try to avoid being outside between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., which will help to minimize the exposure.
· Use a wide-brimmed hat when you go outside. This will help to protect your face, back of your neck, and ears.
· Seek shade whenever possible. If you can’t find a tree or building to provide some shade, consider keeping an SPF umbrella in your vehicle so you can use that to provide your own shade.
· Use sunscreen whenever you will be outdoors. Be sure to do your research to get one that provides good protection and is not rated high on the list for containing toxins.
· Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. They contain a lot of antioxidants, which help to fight the free radicals that can cause cancer. While you are protecting yourself on the outside, they can get to work protecting you from the inside.
· Having healthy skin requires that you stay hydrated, which is especially important during warmer weather. Be sure to drink plenty of water all summer long.
· Get spots on your skin checked. If you notice a spot or see something that wasn’t there before be sure to go to the dermatologist to get it checked out. That way if it is skin cancer it will be caught quickly and can usually be easily removed.
“Many people see sunbathing as a happy pastime, but it is really damaging to the skin,” added Dr. Saini. “Along with avoiding that, take precautions to protect it whenever you will be outside. It takes minutes to take action to help protect your skin.”
MD Dermatology offers a full line of clinical dermatology procedures, including precision neck contouring, laser services, injection services, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and more. They are a medically directed spa that offers a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of every patient. For additional information, visit their site at: www.mddermatology.com.