Although the most common form of cancer in the country — with 5 million cases diagnosed in the US each year — skin cancer is also one of the most preventable. As we head into warmer, sunnier weather once again, keep these three key skin cancer prevention strategies in mind. 

1. Protect Your Skin from UV Light

One of the most effective and easiest ways to minimize your risk of skin cancer is to keep your skin protected from UV light, including indoor tanning beds and the sun. Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15 daily, and higher SPFs when planning to be outdoors for more than an hour. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and try to seek shade during the peak sun hours of 10am and 4pm whenever possible. 

 

Sun-protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts made for warm weather are also beneficial when outdoors for long periods of time. 

2. Perform Regular Skin Exams

Get in the habit of performing regular self-exams on your skin, looking for any moles or marks that show signs of melanoma. It can also be helpful to create a mole map for yourself, indicating on a piece of paper where on your body any moles are. That way, you can reference your mole map the next time you perform a self-exam and note any changes in the appearance of existing moles, as well as the location of new moles.

 

Follow up with your dermatologist if you find any suspicious-looking moles. Otherwise, make a yearly appointment for a skin health checkup with your dermatologist. If you don’t already see a skincare professional, give our Boca Raton & Fort Lauderdale office a call at 561-462-0489 to schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists.

3. Eat an Antioxidant-Rich Diet

Cellular damage that can lead to skin cancer happens when too many harmful free radicals are created than your body can neutralize with its supply of antioxidants. Adding more antioxidants to your diet can help to boost your body’s natural antioxidant supply and its ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress and cellular damage. 

 

Just some examples of foods that are high in natural antioxidants include:

 

• Bell peppers
• Citrus fruits
• Berries
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach

 

Want to help raise awareness about skin cancer prevention and treatment in our community? In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness month, Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center is hosting a blood drive on Monday, May 9, 2022. 

 

Be one of the first 25 people to sign up to donate blood and receive a $25 gift card to Sanctuary and automatically get entered to win:

 

1. Two areas of BOTOX® Cosmetic
2. One syringe of RHA Filler
3. Orange Theory Fitness 8-Class Pack

Additionally, you’ll receive a gift bag and specially-made cookies, from Two Fat Cookies. A food truck will also be in attendance.

 

Help us stand up to skin cancer! RSVPs are required — call 561-462-0489 or email us at info@sanctuarymedical.com to register today!