1Applying sunscreen once in the morning and calling it a day does not cut it.
Sunscreen breaks down over time, so reapply every two hours to keep your skin safe, especially when you’re spending a lot of time in the sun. Physical sunscreens (ones that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) will start working immediately, but chemical sunscreens will need about 40 minutes to soak in before they start to work.
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2Wear sunscreen constantly. All day. Every day.
UVA rays reach you in all weather and seasons, harming your cells even though they don’t cause a burn (UVB rays do that). Daily sunscreen protects you from chronic exposure to UV rays, a major risk factor for skin cancer. Opt for SPF 30 or higher, and make sure you use enough to make a difference, meaning a shot glass for your entire body, or a tablespoon for your face, neck and hands.
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3Darker skin needs SPF as just much as every other skintone.
Stay safe with regular skin checks by a dermatologist, as well as daily sunscreen. The palms and foot soles are typically lighter on people with dark skin, so it’s common to get skin cancer between the toes or fingers. Check for any abnormal lesions monthly.
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4Perform a monthly self-check.
Get to know your skin. Do a monthly scan of all your moles and freckles to see what they look like normally, then watch for any changes in size, coloration, border integrity and symmetry. See a doctor immediately if you notice any changes, especially if one is bleeding.
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5Sunscreen needs to be applied everywhere the sun can touch.
Be especially careful to protect overlooked areas, such as your lips, the backs of your hands and ears, and the tops of your feet.
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6The sun will get you, even when you least expect it.
UV rays can penetrate through glass, so office or car windows won’t stop those harmful rays from reaching your skin. If you sit near a window or drive to work, protect your skin just like you would outdoors.
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7For people with pale skin, melanoma typically pops up in areas such as the breasts and behind.
These spots that are usually covered, but get intense sun exposure a few times a year (think of a Caribbean vacation during a long winter). In a swimsuit, put extra sunscreen on those areas and re-apply once every hour.
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8Get a hat. Wear it constantly.
The scalp is a common spot for skin cancer, especially among people with light or thin hair, which offers little protection from the sun. To stay safe, wear a hat in direct sunlight, and ask your hairdresser to look for any moles or lesions at your next appointment.
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9Don’t ever step foot in a tanning bed. Don’t even think about it.
It’s never okay, not even once or twice a year. The UV radiation in tanning beds is 12 times stronger than the sun, and they increase your risk of melanoma by a whopping 75 percent. Not to mention that they speed up aging and turn your skin into a leathery, wrinkly mess. Seriously, it’s not worth it.
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10Don’t wait!
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