Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, but it is also preventable. There are steps that you can take each day to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. This can help save your life in the long run and help you avoid dealing with serious complications. Dr. Sharon Horton at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Batavia, IL, and serving Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, and St. Charles, IL, can explain ten steps you can take to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

10 Ways to Reduce Skin Cancer Risks

• Always wear sunscreen
  Skin cancer is often caused by exposure to UV rays, so when you’re trying to reduce your risk of skin cancer, it’s important to protect your skin. We can’t always avoid the sun, so be sure to apply sunscreen each day. You should use a minimum SPF of 30 and apply it several times throughout the day.
• Cover skin when possible
  If you can, be sure to wear clothes that cover your skin and protect your skin from the sun.
• Wear hats and sunglasses
  Make sure that you’re protecting your eyes and your scalp from the sun. Large hats can also protect your shoulders.
• Avoid the sun from 10 am until 4 pm
  During this time, the UV rays are strongest, so it’s better to avoid them as much as possible during this time.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible
  It makes sense that you’d want to be outside, so, if possible, stay in the shade.
• Visit your dermatologist regularly
  It’s important that you see our dermatologist regularly so that they can check your skin. They’ll look for any concerning signs that you may not have noticed. Our dermatologist in Batavia, IL, and serving Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, and St. Charles, IL, can take steps to treat skin cancer before it’s severe.
• Check your skin regularly
  In between appointments with your dermatologist, be sure to check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer.
• Be sure to take breaks
  If you need to be out in the sun for extended periods of time, be sure to take breaks to cool off and sit in the shade.
• Be safe around pools
  Understand that water reflects the sun and can increase your exposure.
• Take care of sunburns immediately
  Be sure that you’re treating sunburns to help reduce any damage that they may do.

Contact Our Dermatologist Today

Find out how you can protect your skin! Contact Dr. Sharon Horton at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery in Batavia, IL, and serving Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, and St. Charles, IL, to learn more about preventing skin cancer. Call for more information today at (630) 482-3700.