Sep 03, 2021

What You Can Do To Avoid Skin Cancer

We all love the sun, but when you're not careful it can be sneaky. With summer nearing it's end, it can be tempting to get that last beach day in...there's no need to lock up indoors, just be mindful before heading out in the sun! Even with all the scary numbers and percentages, just remember that skin cancer is 100% preventable.

So, what are the stats?

1. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.

2. Just one blistering sunburn during your adolescent years can nearly double a person’s chance of developing melanoma, while experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases one’s risk by 80 percent.

3. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

4. Your skin color doesn’t matter - it can affect anyone, regardless of how light or dark your skin is. Skin cancer in patients with skin of color is often diagnosed in its later stages when it’s more difficult to treat.

5. An estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.

6. 90% of non melanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

What can I do to avoid my risks?

Tip 1: Get Your Vitamin D, Just Not From The Sun

Sun exposure is not the only (or healthiest) way to get your Vitamin D intake. Instead, eat a healthy diet that includes Vitamin D rich foods and/or take Vitamin D supplements.

Tip 2: Always Cover-Up, Even When It’s Cloudy

80% of UV rays penetrate through the clouds, which means covering up is a must no matter the weather. Wear UPF50+ clothing and seek shade whenever possible to avoid exposure to the sun!

Tip 3: Not All Clothing Is Made Equally

Covering up with just any clothing isn’t going to cut it. Most common fabrics are not UPF50+ and do not provide the protection you need from the sun. To put it in perspective, a white cotton T-shirt provides a UPF of 7 when dry, and 3 when wet...avoid the risk and cover-up in our certified UPF50+ fabrics instead.

Tip 4: When In Doubt, Get It Checked

If you notice something unusual on your skin, play it safe and visit your dermatologist. Keep an annual check-up in your calendar to ensure that your skin health is up-to-date!

The most important thing to remember is that skin cancer is 100% preventable, and taking the proper precautions will keep your skin healthy even when you're out and about! Check out our range of certified UPF50+ suits that you can wear year round.