When summer hits, the inner sun worshiper in us comes out. We all want that tan that gives us a perfect bronze glow, but basking outside can have serious consequences. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer and, as Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., explains, its leading cause is “damage to the skin’s DNA from exposure to UV rays.”
Dr. Hale is a board-certified dermatologist, an SVP of the Skin Cancer Foundation, and chief medical advisor to the Vacation Brand. She wants people to be aware of the risks and potential severity of this cancer.
“Melanomas have a remarkably high rate of metastasizing (spreading to other parts of the body), especially when not detected and treated early. Because of this, it carries the highest mortality rate of all types of skin cancer,” she explains.
She doesn’t advocate taking drastic measures like locking yourself inside the house during the summer months, but she does offer tips on melanoma prevention.
Try to seek the shade whenever possible, especially during peak hours of 10:00 to 4:00. UV rays are strongest during that time frame.
If you’re going to be active outside, try to wear UPF-rated clothing. It’s a great option if you don’t think you’ll be able to reapply your sunscreen every two hours as recommended.
3. Perform monthly self-exams.
Look for new moles or moles that have changed in shape or color. There is a great guide to self-exams on www.skincancer.org. Early detection of melanoma is critical, as it’s often curable if caught before it progresses.
Apply sunscreen every two hours when you’re in the sun, or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Look for a broad-spectrum formula and a product you enjoy wearing, so you’ll happily reapply it! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, regular daily use of sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing melanoma by 50%, which is remarkable.
5. Don’t neglect your eyes!
Wear sunglasses that are tested to block both UVA and UVB rays. A wide-brimmed hat can help as well.
If you notice a mole that worries you, Dr. Hale shares the ABCDE rule that can help you detect melanoma in its early stages.
- Asymmetry: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other half.
- Border: The border is irregular or notched.
- Color: A mole that has multiple colors or shades within it.
- Diameter: The size of, or larger than, a pencil eraser.
- Evolution: Any change in size, shape, or color of a spot on your skin.
She cautions that if these “warning signs” are present, along with additional symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, unexplained pain, fatigue, and more, it points to later-stage melanoma.
If you think you have detected melanoma, Dr. Hale urges people to see a dermatologist asap to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, if necessary.
Below are a few of Dr. Hale’s favorite products that help keep melanoma at bay.
Classic Lotion SPF 50
Price: $18
Vacation®
Dr. Hale calls this, “My favorite product from Vacation and one that I recommend often to my patients. It’s a wearable, smooth formula that blends in quickly and clearly on all skin tones. Plus, it’s water resistant, and it smells incredible. It’s a broad-spectrum formula, so it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.”
The Laguna
Price: $89
JOJU
This shirt is made from UPF 50+ certified fabric and comes in a variety of colors, making it stylish and safer for time in the sun. “I love JOJU’s long-sleeved tops for running,” Dr. Hale says.
Ultra Wide Brim Hat UPF 50+
Price: $65
Solbari
When lounging by the pool, Dr. Hale recommends keeping your face sheltered from the sun with a hat. She likes to grab one from Solbari. She calls them “perfect” because they provide UPF 50+ protection while still giving beach chic vibes.
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