May is Skin Cancer (and Melanoma) Awareness Month. I hadn’t posted about it here yet, but I’ve had a few atypical or pre-cancerous lesions removed over the past couple of years. After those experiences, I started taking steps to attempt to prevent that from happening again. So, here are my tips to protect your skin from the sun, so you don’t have to endure what I have.
Protect Your Skin From The Sun
Unfortunately, I didn’t grow up wearing sunscreen frequently or really thinking about protecting my skin. However, ever since my surgeries, you can bet you will find me wearing everything I can to cover up when I’m outside. While I am not a doctor or expert, I am sharing what I have found works for me in hopes that it helps someone else.
- Wear sunscreen. I will start with the most obvious way to protect your skin from the sun. Sunblock. I think mineral or physical is best because it sits on top of the skin to form a protective barrier. These sunscreens will contain Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. However, it is more likely to cause a whitecast or white shading on the skin. So, I highly recommend trying one before wearing it out. In fact, I recommend purchasing Sephora’s annual Sun Safety Kit that comes with a great assortment of sunscreens to try! This year’s kit is pictured in my Instagram post below. It’s also important to look for something with SPF 30 or higher for full coverage as well as re-applying frequently. I like to use a powder sunscreen to re-apply on my face as it helps with oiliness/sweating and is easier to apply when it’s hot. I’ve linked the one I use as I also avoid talc in my beauty products now.
- Wear a hat. Even though I wear sunblock, I also wear a hat to cover my head and ears. The more closely woven the fabric is, the better it is. I have two hats. One for regular travel and another with a neck flap if I’m planning to be in a swimsuit or working outside. It doesn’t always look nice, but I prefer that to getting burned.
- Wear UPF clothing. I wanted an option that was easier than remembering to re-apply sunblock, so I discovered UPF clothing. I also love a good theme park shirt and didn’t want to quit wearing one when I travel. So, I have purchased several UPF sun jackets from Amazon and wear them over my shirt. I also keep them near the door of my home on a coat rack, so I can just grab one whenever I head out. I wear these even if I’m just riding somewhere now. I feel a little weird wearing jackets in the summer, but I’m getting over it. I also have a pair of pants for around the house and a skort. When we visited Discovery Cove, I wore a swimsuit with UPF (and a rash guard) from Land’s End.
- Avoid being outside between noon and 3 o’clock. This is when the sun’s rays are the most intense. It’s also when it is the hottest. I typically take a mid-day break out of the sun to rest up.
- Get regular skin checks. Due to my history and my family history, I’m currently going every 6 months to the local dermatologist for a skin check. If you can’t afford to go to the doctor, you should become familiar with your own body and check for anything new or changing.
Do you have any other tips to protect your skin from the sun?
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