Follow these tips to protect your skin from the harmful sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer:
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin for better absorption. Don't forget the feet, neck, ears and top of your head.
• Use extra caution near water as it reflects the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Avoid sun exposure when the sun's rays are vertical and strong (12:00 - 16:00).
• Wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin D.
• If you are already tanned, you can use a sunscreen with lower SPF protection, but don’t stop using it completely.
The best way to avoid melanoma is by taking all preventive measures, such as moderate sun exposure and mole-mapping. If you have an abnormal growth or coloration on your skin, or if a mole becomes an irregular shape or size or bleeds, visit your dermatologist.