Its Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

BEWARE of the Sun!

I just realized that Its skin cancer awareness month so, what better time to write a skin cancer blog! Ive only had a bad sunburn happen to me twice in my life and one of those times was this time (see pic to left).

I did not wear sunscreen on that particular day because I haven't found one that Im not allergic to. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know! I havn't tried any of the all natural sunscreens. 

The Skin

The skin is the largest organ in our body. It does several diff things:

- Covers the internal organs and protects them from injury

- Serves as a barrier to germs such as bacteria

- Prevents the loss of too much water and other fluids

- Helps control body temperature

- Protects the rest of the body from ultroviolet rays (UV rays)

- Helps the body make vitamin D (cancer.org)

Sun Damage

Some may wonder if some people more prone to sun damage?

Everyone's skin and eyes can be affected by the sun and other forms of UV rays. People with light skin are much more likely to have sun damage, but darker-skinned people, including African Americans and Hispanic Americans, also can be affected (cancer.org).

How to Protect Your Precious Skin From UV Rays

It is not possible or realistic to completely avoid sunlight. It also would not be wise to limit outdoor physical activity because getting sun and physical activity are important for good health. Too much sunlight can be harmful. Here are some steps you can take to limit UV ray exposure.

- You can always cover up!

Now days its easy to find tshirts, long sleeve shirts, long skirts that are made from breathable, lightweight, comforatable material.

- Use sunscreen!

When choosing a sunscreen product, be sure to read the label before you buy. Many groups, including the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 (cancer.org).

Apply the sunscreen properly and follow the label directions. Pay close attention to your face, hands, ears, arms, and any other areas that are not covered by clothing. Be generous with the sunscreen and most recommend applying every 2 hours.

- Wear a hat!

A hat with a brim of at least 2-3 inches all the way around will be the best because it will protect the sensitive areas such as the forehead, nose and scalp.

 - Wear sunglasses that block UV rays

Wearing UV ray sunglasses with protect eyeys and the delicate areas around the eyes.

Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increase your chances of developing eye disease (cancer.org) 

Writting this article has helped me become more aware of how the sun can be damaging if my skin is not protected. I will definatley start making better decisions when it comes to protecting my skin :-)  I hope you will too!

Click Here to read more information about how to protect your precious skin. You can also donate to the skin cancer society by clicking the "click here" link above.