Skin cancer can affect Charlotte, NC residents of all ages, genders, and colors. From a young age, we are taught to protect our skin, but often, it is difficult to determine what is good advice and what isn’t. Below, we’ll cover common myths when it comes to protecting your skin and offer tips to help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
Myth: All sunscreen is created equal.
Though wearing sunscreen is important when it comes to protecting ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays, not all of it is actually effective at reducing your risk of developing skin cancer. When choosing a sunscreen, you should choose one that offers broad-spectrum protection and is SPF 15 or higher. Due to the tendency of some people to apply less sunscreen than they need, many dermatologists actually recommend using products that are SPF 30.
Myth: You don’t need to worry about covering up when it’s cloudy.
It is often second nature to apply sunblock and wear hats when it is sunny out. But, cloudy days can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer too. Since the damage the sun does to skin adds up, protecting it, even on cloudy days, is essential. Plus, the sun’s rays can cut through clouds and even give some people sunburns. Make sure you wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and seek shade, even when the sun isn’t as bright.
Charlotte, NC residents with questions about skin cancer, such as how to prevent it or detect it, should contact a dermatologist. If you are concerned about a mole, or spot, make sure to seek treatment right away. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your skin and spotting skin cancer. Contact Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, Charlotte’s top Ballantyne and Blakeney Dermatologist, for your dermatology care.