Experts share the best everyday ways to protect your skin from melanoma and other skin cancers.
Updated Apr 29, 2024
By
Erin Reimel
Medical Reviewer Holly Singletary, M.D.
Too much sun exposure is the number one cause of skin cancer, including melanoma. “When ultraviolet (UV) rays are absorbed [by the skin], they lead to DNA damage and photoaging,” says Ryan Turner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “As our injured skin cells work to repair themselves, they can make mistakes, creating a change, or mutation in the genetic code of the DNA.” When the DNA isn’t repaired properly, it can change the function of the cells and cause uncontrolled cellular growth, which turns into cancer. These expert tips can help shield your skin.
What to Know About Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. “It has the highest potential to metastasize and is the most deadly form of skin cancer if not detected and treated early,” says Lauren Moy, M.D., a double board-certified dermatologist and surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, including areas not exposed to sun. Still, the most common type of melanoma (cutaneous) is caused by sun damage. You experience about 25% of lifetime damage before the age of 18, says Dr. Turner, and protecting your skin from additional harmful rays is a must at every age.
Start With the Right Sunscreen
“SPF, or sun protection factor, indicates the level of protection against UVB rays [a.k.a. the burning rays],” Dr. Moy explains. The minimum SPF level dermatologists recommend is 30, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Sunscreen formulas come in two forms: mineral, which create a physical barrier against the sun; and chemical, which absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released from the skin. “People with sensitive skin or rosacea usually prefer mineral sunscreens because the ingredients in chemical formulas can irritate the skin,” says Amy Brodsky, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago.
Apply SPF Liberally
“People do not apply enough sunscreen,” says Dr. Turner. And if you don’t apply the proper amount of sunscreen, you’re not getting the full level of protection of the SPF listed on the bottle. You need to use about a half a teaspoon’s worth of sunscreen on your face and neck and a shot glass amount on your body, say our experts. “People think that using makeup with sunscreen in it is equivalent to wearing sunscreen, but it’s unlikely that the average person is applying that much foundation,” adds Dr. Turner. Be sure to apply a base of sunscreen first.
Don’t Miss These Hot Spots
“Most people tend to forget to put sunscreen on the back of their ears and neck,” says Dr. Brodsky, founder of the Sun Hero Program, which advocates for sun protection. Other commonly missed areas include the scalp, lips, tops of the feet and toes, and hands. Make sure to cover the part in your hair with a powdered sunscreen or wear a hat, preferably one with a wide brim. “Avoid baseball caps—they leave your ears and neck exposed,” Dr. Turner says. And plenty of brands have SPF lip balm now, so keep one with you to reapply throughout the day.
Dress Protectively
“Clothing provides some protection against UV radiation, especially if it is tightly woven and made from darker, thicker fabrics,” says Dr. Moy. “Light-colored, lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen allow UV radiation to pass through, especially when wet.” For example, a white T-shirt provides an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of about 5, while a colored one provides more. Or opt for clothing labeled with its UPF factor. And wearing sunglasses is essential, says Dr. Turner, who also suggests keeping UPF gloves in your car to shield your hands while driving: “I use ManiGlovz, designed to be worn during gel manicures.”
Seek Out Shade
The best way to protect your skin from sun damage? Stay out of the sun, especially between the sun’s peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., says Dr. Brodsky. Of course, that’s not always possible, but sitting in a shaded area can dramatically reduce your exposure. If you can’t find some reprieve from the sun, try wearing a wide-brimmed, Dr. Turner recommends. An umbrella can also provide sun protection, but certain fabrics work better than others. “Look for a sun umbrella specifically designed to provide up to 99% protection from the sun’s rays,” says Dr. Turner.
Do Sunscreen Touch-Ups During the Day
“One application of sunscreen is not sufficient for all-day protection,” says Dr. Moy. The sun’s rays aren’t just damaging your skin poolside; they are hitting your skin every time you drive, take a walk, or run outside to get the mail. Aim to reapply every two hours. If you wear makeup, “I suggest using a brush-on SPF powder like Colorescience Sunforgettable, which comes in multiple shade options and is very easy to use,” says Dr. Turner. Water-resistant sunscreens only provide protection while swimming or sweating for between 40 and 80 minutes, adds Dr. Moy: “Reapply sunscreen immediately after toweling off.
Maintain Your SPF Routine Year-Round
The most common misconception about sun care is that you can’t get sun damage through clouds,” Dr. Brodsky says. UV rays can still get through the clouds and damage your skin, even if it doesn’t look or feel like it. It’s important to protect your skin every day, regardless of the weather or season—and no matter whether your skin tends to burn or not. “While they do have more natural protection against UV radiation due to higher melanin levels, people with darker skin are still susceptible to sun damage and skin cancer,” says Dr. Moy. And that includes melanoma.
Think of Sun Safety as Nonnegotiable
“Sun protection is our most powerful line of defense against premature aging and skin cancer,” Dr. Turner says. By incorporating sunscreen and other protective measures into your everyday routine, you can dramatically reduce your risk of damage. And if you notice any moles that are multicolored, change in shape, grow bigger, or have asymmetric borders—these the ABCDEs of melanoma—or other suspicious spots on your skin, have your doctor check them out. Melanoma is highly treatable if caught early and there are plenty of resources to turn to for the support and info you need.
