With the rising number of skin cancer cases, it’s now more important than ever to take care of your skin. Dr. Ben has put together his top 3 skin protection recommendations. These tips should be a part of everyone’s daily routine.
1. Focus on skin protection now
Cumulative UV exposure from the sun damages your skin’s DNA, potentially leading to the development of actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell cancer. When you’re young your body can more easily cope with this damage, but many people begin showing signs of pre-cancers by the age of 45. Many don’t seek attention for these spots as they’re often easy to pass off as “just dry skin”. However, as time passes, your risk increases exponentially. It is so important to protect your skin as you age; most melanomas are diagnosed between the ages of 70 and 80.
You can protect your skin from excess UV exposure by seeking shade, donning hats and SPF-rated clothing, in addition to using topical sunscreens. The best way to protect your skin, especially as you age, is to use both.
2. Use the Right Sunscreen
Did you know, not all sunscreens were created equal?
Picking up what’s on sale at the drug store isn’t enough! Look for medical-grade broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 to 45 which contains the minerals zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. Lather it on 365 days of the year, even in the winter! Also, don’t forget about your lips invest in SPF 15 or higher lip balm to use year-round. These barrier-type sunscreens block and reflect out the greatest amount of both UVA and UVB radiation from the sun, as well as indoor free radicals.
3. The Use of Topical + Oral Vitamins
Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C & E are excellent skin protectants. They protect against free radical and UV damage and are great anti-oxidants.
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