It’s important to take care of your skin throughout the entire year, but with heightened sun exposure during summer months, it’s critical to make sure you are practicing good habits and skin cancer prevention methods. Dr. George Wooming, your Dallas skin cancer doctor, is an advocate for skin cancer prevention, regular skin cancer screenings, and mole checks. Keep reading to learn how and why to protect your skin from skin damage.
Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer affects people of all ages and ethnicities. There are a few types of skin cancers, with the most common including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
Why You Should Protect Your Skin
More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. Although this statistic is frightening, there are ways to reduce your risks of getting it. When you choose to protect your skin against ultraviolet light, you are actively decreasing the chances of developing skin cancer. Having 5 or more sunburns throughout your lifetime doubles your risk of getting melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. That is why it’s so important to limit your time in the sun and add a few protection measures!
How to Protect Your Skin
Fortunately, it’s not costly or complicated to protect your skin against sun damage. One of the simplest things you can do is apply sunscreen to your face and other exposed areas daily, even during winter months and overcast days! Another important step is to wear clothing that limits sun exposure. Sunglasses, long sleeve tops, pants, and hats are great items to help protect yourself. Lastly, limit the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight. If you’re going to be outdoors, reduce your time or search for shaded areas to be in.
Preventative Skin Checks
In addition to protecting your skin against sun damage, it’s also important to be proactive and visit your Dallas skin cancer doctor for regular skin cancer screenings. These screenings play an important role in early detection of skin cancer, and are recommended to happen once a year. Your dermatologist will conduct a full-body exam to look for concerning spots.
Dr. George is one of the most experienced dermatologists in the Dallas area, and is skilled at diagnosing and treating skin cancer. If you need to schedule a skin check with your Dallas skin cancer doctor, contact us to request an appointment.
