A little vitamin D is a great mood booster for many people. While spending time in the sun has many benefits, it also has many negative repercussions if the proper precautions aren’t taken.

Unprotected sun exposure can cause wrinkles and discoloration, but it can also lead to something far worse — skin cancer. Over time, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells, leading to cancer cell growth.

Skin cancer is nothing to tread lightly over. Proof can be found when you look up options for skin cancer and life insurance. Those diagnosed may have difficulty finding an insurance provider to cover them due to the severity of the illness and its treatment expenses.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting one in five people. Even people who claim they don’t burn or have more melanin in their skin can still be at risk.

There is no guaranteed protection from skin cancer, but there are steps to prevent sun exposure and lower your chances of having to fight this deadly disease.

Unprotected sun exposure can cause wrinkles and discoloration, but it can also lead to something far worse — skin cancer.

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Avoid Extended Sun Exposure on Your Skin

While this may seem obvious, many people may not realize just how much sun exposure they are truly getting. You don’t have to be at the beach in a bathing suit or relaxing poolside to get too much time out in the sun.

Simple things such as sitting without shade for too long — even with regular clothing items — can cause excess exposure to the sun. Any portion of your skin that is not covered by either clothing or sunscreen may be at risk.

It can seem outrageous to overdress in items such as pants and long sleeves during the summer months. The rising temperatures make it difficult to feel comfortable with so much fabric clinging to your skin.

Proper sunscreen application can help prevent burning on any areas of exposed skin you may have. Make sure you are beginning your application 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply it every two hours. Reapplying it ensures your skin is continuously protected from the sun’s UV rays.

Hats can also be a significant help in keeping the sun from harming the skin on your face. Since faces are often the most exposed, they run the highest risk of sunburn. Adding a hat to block out the sun’s rays can help keep your face from too much exposure.

When choosing a hat, opt for one with a brim wide enough to cover your face and minimize the UV rays able to reach it. Large bills will ensure you are avoiding as much contact with the sun as possible.

Seeking shade is also an excellent way to spend your time outdoors. The sun is at its peak exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., meaning you will have the highest risk of burning during these hours. Avoiding direct sunlight during this time of day can be another layer of protection for your skin.

Eat the Right Diet to Lower Your Chances of Skin Cancer

The food you eat plays a massive role in your overall health — something most people likely know. What you may not know is that certain foods may help lower your risk of skin cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, antioxidants found in certain foods can have a significant effect on skin cancer prevention. Nutrients such as vitamins C, E, and A, zinc, selenium, beta carotene (carotenoids), omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene, and polyphenols can play a significant role in keeping you safe and protected from the sun’s exposure.

An excellent way to remind yourself to include these superfoods in your diet is the color rule. A colorful plate of food will have much more nutrients than one without. The recommendation is a meal with a minimum of four different colors on the plate. So when creating your meals, make sure to include a wide variety of color-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to keep you healthy.

The professional preference is to get these antioxidants through your diet, but supplements can also aid in prevention. Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) and Polypodium leucotomos are highly suggested to help keep skin cancer at bay.

It’s also important to note that eating a nutrient-filled diet and taking supplements are great aids in preventing skin cancer. They shouldn’t be treated as a replacement for sunscreen. It is still essential to apply and wear sunscreen during extended periods of sun exposure to ensure cancer prevention.

See a Dermatologist About Skin Cancer

Even taking every precaution possible can’t be a guarantee you won’t get skin cancer. The best way to truly ensure you are staying on top of preventing the disease is to schedule regular visits with a dermatologist.

The recommendation is once a year, but you should not hesitate to call and make an appointment if you notice anything different popping up on your skin. Even if you can’t entirely prevent skin cancer, early detection is the next best thing.

Warning signs for potentially cancerous moles or spots include:

A change in shape, size, or color
Bleeding
Itching
Soreness

Though these are not the only signs, they are the most common. Even if you are uncertain about a mole, the safer option is always to have it seen by a professional. A dermatologist likely won’t be able to tell on the spot if the new mole you noticed is cancerous or not, but they will be able to test it through a biopsy.

The sooner you have answers, the sooner you can either rest easy or begin treatment. Early detection is the best way to ensure skin cancer does not become deadly. The longer a cancerous cell can grow, the more difficult it becomes to remove and treat.

Without a doubt, skin cancer is hazardous to your health, making it more difficult to fight off other diseases. But skin cancer can also result in financial repercussions, such as the higher premiums that come with a change in your life insurance health classification.

Keeping Skin Safe From Cancer Naturally

Many people may not think twice about skin cancer. It’s easy to go on imagining something like that could never happen to you. However, it is estimated that 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the U.S.

With such a staggering number to consider, natural preventatives are a great way to keep your skin healthy and protect yourself from the possible effects of the sun’s UV rays. Though there is no guarantee that you will never have to receive a skin cancer diagnosis in your life, there are many ways to lessen your odds.

Eating the right foods, wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, and ensuring you are checked out often by a dermatologist are great ways to protect yourself from the potential effects of skin cancer.

About the Author

Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the life insurance comparison site, QuickQuote.com. She is adamant about skin cancer prevention and sharing her knowledge with others to lessen their chances.

How do you protect your skin from skin cancer?

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