How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun | Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the most common form of cancer. With over 5 million diagnosed cases in the US only, it is imperative to bring awareness to proper sun protection measures. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer since it's mainly due to ultraviolet light radiation and sun exposure.  

Skin Cancer Awareness  

A major misconception is that not everyone is susceptible to skin cancer. In reality, anyone can get it. Dr. Zenovia has diagnosed several people in their twenties with melanoma. Even at a young age, it's important to be conscious of your time in the sun, practice sun safety, and avoid tanning beds which are proven to increase your risk of skin cancer.  

Another common misconception is that skin cancer can only occur in areas of the body exposed to the sun. Skin cancer can happen anywhere! Therefore, checking your skin for moles and spots is so important. Skin cancer can develop on the scalp, under the scrotum, and between the thighs, for example.  

How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun  

To protect your skin from the sun, Dr. Zenovia recommends adhering to the following safety measures:  

Sun Protection Tip #1: Always wear sunscreen! This applies even if you are spending the day indoors. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer and aging of the skin. Dr. Zenovia recommends applying an SPF with a minimum of 30 as the last step of your daily morning skincare regimen. An SPF of 30 blocks out 98% of UV rays, and anything higher provides that extra 2% (which isn’t significant). Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 combines the benefits of a light Vitamin C moisturizer with a mineral sunscreen for quick and easy application.  

Dr. Zenovia’s clinical-grade sunscreen contains Vitamin C-Ester that visibly helps even skin tone and texture while helping to protect collagen health and brighten the complexion. Additionally, transparent nano zinc-oxide offers 360-degree broad-spectrum mineral protection from harmful UV rays, free radical damage, and environmental stressors for radiant, even-toned skin.  

Be sure to apply sunscreen on all parts of exposed skin (like your hands, chest, and arms) and not just your face. Even if you aren’t going to the beach or spending a lot of time outdoors, your skin still gets exposed to the sun via your car windows, etc.  

Sun Protection Tip #2: Try your best to stay out of the sun, especially before 10 am in the morning when the UV radiation is the highest. Even sunscreen isn’t enough to protect you from the sun’s harsh rays. To avoid sunburn and sun damage, do not sunbathe! 

Sun Protection Tip #3: For days that you are spending time outdoors, remember to reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Re-application is especially key if you are sweating or doing water activities that tend to wash off sunscreen.  

Sun Protection Tip #4: Try to keep your facial skin covered outdoors. Wear a hat, stay in the shade, and re-apply sunscreen- we don’t want the sun to age our face! 

Note from Dr. Zenovia: Be sure to visit a board-certified dermatologist for yearly skin screenings. Book a consultation with a dermatologist if you have a suspicious spot or a family history of skin cancer.  

Shop Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30