How to Protect Yourself from Melanoma
For most people, spring break means enjoying plenty of time outside, soaking up the beautifully sunny and warm weather. Whether you’re headed on vacation for spring break or are planning to relax at home, you’re likely looking forward to thawing out after a chilly winter and making the most of the spring season.
But before you head outdoors, it’s important to understand the basics of sun safety. As much as we all love the feeling of the sun on our skin, UV rays can be highly damaging – and even dangerous. But by taking a few simple precautions to protect yourself from the sun, you can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer considerably and stay safe this spring break.
Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine
Even on cloudy days, sunscreen is a must-have for basic UV protection. Ideally, you’ll want to regularly use sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher, specifically looking for broad-spectrum protection. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to invest in a separate sunscreen for your face – particularly if you’re prone to breakouts. Not only can consistent sunscreen use help reduce your risk of developing melanoma, but it can also offer anti-aging benefits – talk about a win-win!
Keep UV protective sunglasses on hand
Your eyes need protection from the sun as well, especially if you have light-colored eyes in shades like blue or green. It’s not enough for your sunglasses to simply look good, they also have to do their job as well. Only purchase sunglasses that are specifically labeled as having UV protection, otherwise you’re leaving your eyes at the mercy of the sun.
Make a sun-savvy style statement with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing
A tightly-woven, wide-brimmed hat can offer excellent shade for your scalp, face, and the tops of your ears, possibly even helping to keep your neck and chest out of the sun. Choose one with a tight weave to minimize the amount of sun that gets through, and enjoy looking both stylish and sun-smart. If you’re planning to spend a considerable amount of time in the sun, UV-protective clothing is a great way to add an additional layer of protection against the sun.
Don’t forget to apply SPF to your lips too
Don’t leave your lips out – they need sunscreen too! Apply a lip balm with a minimum of SPF 15, and your lips will be smooth, soft, and best of all, well-protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Reconstructive Surgery After Melanoma Treatment
For many people, learning the importance of sun safety comes via a first-hand experience with melanoma. Thankfully, effectively treating a cancerous melanoma can be straightforward as surgically removing the growth – but all too often, the procedure leaves an unsightly, and often uncomfortable, scar. If you’re recovering from a melanoma removal, the good news is that reconstructive surgery can not only repair the area aesthetically but also relieve discomfort and even help normalize the skin’s functionality.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Michael Streitmann for Reconstructive Surgery in Houston
Melanoma is highly treatable, and today’s advancements in cosmetic surgery have made it easier than ever to reduce the appearance of post-removal scarring and resolve any lasting discomfort.
Dr. Michael Streitmann is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive cosmetic expertise in reconstructive surgery following skin cancer treatment.
Focusing on both form and function, Dr. Streitmann works closely with each patient’s dermatologist to provide the best possible results.
For more information about reconstructive surgery after melanoma treatment, schedule your consultation today.
Image Credit: Getty/ thodonal