Protecting Your Skin Starts with Awareness
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer? People of all ages and skin tones are at risk.
The good news is that most skin cancers are highly treatable when found early. It is encouraged to develop a lifelong practice of performing regular skin self-exams with attention to the ABCDE’s of melanoma.
These practices, when coupled with regular skin exams from your healthcare provider, can help identify concerns early, when treatment is most effective.
Tips to Keep Skin Healthy
- Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours (10 AM to 4 PM)
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses
- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, which reflect UV rays
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every 2 hours
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, neck, and tops of feet
- Perform regular skin self-exams and see a provider for any changes or concerns
- Tanning is never recommended. If you like looking tanned, use self-tanner like a pro
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Indoor tanning.” Last updated February 11, 2025
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Skin cancer.” Last updated March 2, 2026
