Currently, an estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and in the U.S., more than 7,000 people die from melanoma annually. too much sun exposure and exposure to the sun when it’s too strong.Īccording to the National Cancer Institute, the rate of new melanoma (skin cancer) cases in the United States has tripled since the 1970s. So we’re seeing a shift in the recommendations from “never let your skin see the sun” to “protect yourself from sun damage” i.e. The need for vitamin D which we get mostly from sun hitting our skin is irrefutable. The Case for Sunscreenįirst, let’s talk about why we’re all told to wear sunscreen. Listen to this guide on The getWellBe Podcast. In this guide, we look at sunscreen ingredients to avoid, the best non-toxic sunscreen choices, the risks of too much sunscreen, natural sunscreen alternatives, and more. Sure, sunscreen helps shield you against skin cancer and other harmful effects of the sun, but the truth is that exposing our skin to the sun for at least some part of each day is important and that not all sunscreens are created equal - and some might be seriously harmful to your health. There are a lot of sunscreens out there, but Wattenberg has outlined the best sunscreens for a variety of needs.There’s perhaps no piece of health (or life) advice more universally accepted than “wear sunscreen.” And yet, it’s actually a whole lot more complicated than those two simple words might imply. And don't forget to drink a ton of water, as sunburns cause dehydration. If you're a little swollen, Advil or Aleve will help. You can also apply a little over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and a fragrant-free moisturizer. Wattenberg recommends mixing equal parts cold water and cold milk to create a cool compress, soaking in milk's anti-inflammatory properties. But if you do get a burn, you probably have what you need right in your home. Protecting your skin is key to preventing sunburn. "Consider them a short term makeup that washes off over time."Īnd whether it's a cool day or warm day and the sun is still out, it's important to use lots of sunscreen with Wattenberg's recommended minimum of SPF 30. "Remember that they do give a false sense of security as they do not provide a 'base tan' and most do not have sunscreen in them," Wattenberg says. And while self-tanners are safe to use, it's best to not mistake their purpose. What to keep in mind this summerīefore you step out into the sun, you might be planning to apply your favorite self-tanner. Here's an easy way to remember what to keep an eye on.Īsymmetry: One half is unlike the other half.īorder: It has an irregular scalloped or poorly defined border.Ĭolor: The color is varied from one area to another.ĭiameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm, they can be smaller.Įvolving: The mole or skin lesion looks different from the rest. The good news is, it can be detected if you know what to look for." "Getting a blistering sunburn and exposure to sun tanning beds increases your risk for developing malignant melanoma. "It is that time of year where you need to strip down to your birthday suit and examine your body for skin cancer," Wattenberg says. The ABCs of melanomaĪccording to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and malignant melanoma is the deadliest form. From understanding what to look for to the best sunscreens for every type of need, keep reading to learn more. Debra Wattenberg joined the show to share the best tips for protecting your skin. With the weather heating up and the sun sticking around for much longer these days, what better time to start taking preventative measures.ĭermatologist Dr. The first Monday of May is Melanoma Monday, kicking off a month of raising awareness about skin cancer.
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