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Why you should protect your skin from the Sun

Nov 14, 2021
Dr Amit Goyal

Many people don't realise that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer.

It's estimated that 1 in 3 Australians will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. Skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, which can damage DNA and lead to abnormal cell growths called tumors on the surface of your skin.

John was a builder who loved to go on holiday at least twice a year. He didn't use any sun protection or hats when he was working. John used to keep his shirt off during the summer months, but sadly John developed skin cancer on his back and it wasn't caught by anyone quickly enough. Luckily for him, though, it was caught by his dermatologist and it has been removed successfully.

John's dermatologist explained to him how sun exposure could have caused his skin cancer and suggested he use Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50 Sun Cream when going out in the Sun. SPF 50 Sun Cream blocks out a very high percentage of ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, so it helps to protect your skin from sun damage. Now John uses Sun Protection Factor 40 Sun Cream, which blocks nearly 96% of UVB radiation from sunlight and he always has a hat on too. He is happier now that he knows that his family will be around for a long time as his grand kids are now teenagers!

Sun Spots

Another one of our patients who has been affected by the Sun is James. James is in his seventies and he started having 'sun spots' on his face and arms. Sun spots are caused by sun damage to your skin cells, so it's important not to ignore these early signs of ageing.

James went to see his dermatologist and she suggested Sun Protection Factor 30 Sun Cream. Sun Protection Factor 30 Sun Cream blocks 97% of UVB radiation from sunlight so it helps to protect your skin even more than Sun Protection Factor 15 Sun Cream.

James' dermatologist also asked him about hat use and sunglasses, both of which are important in protecting his skin too.James is very happy with himself now that he's started using Sun Protection Factor 30 Sun Cream and he always covers up his skin when he goes out in the Sun

Summary

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer . Wear sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen with SPF30 if you want to protect your skin from the sun.

Decide on three vital tips to help you protect yourself from skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunlight that could lead to skin cancer.

The three tips are:

  1. Use a good sun protection cream every day even for dull days.

  2. Wear sunglasses when it is sunny to prevent cataracts.

  3. Wear hats and flowing long sleeve shirts on sunny days.

If you have a concern about a patch of skin you're concerned about, why not try the mySkinDoc online dermatology consultation and make sure you're not missing a skin cancer. Access us via www.myskindoc.co.uk

Dr Amit Goyal

CEO and Founder, mySkinDoc

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