Getting a tattoo or one removed? Skin cancers can hide in a tatt, so Harvard Health and JAMA Dermatology suggest:
- Either make sure it will be applied to skin that is free or moles or birthmarks, or have your doctor check any moles in the to-be-tattooed area beforehand.
- Before tattoo removal, check for moles within the tattoo. If you see any, ask your doctor or dermatologist to look more closely before starting laser therapy.
Are you applying sunscreen the right way? Are you due for a skin checkup? Keep your skin healthy and skin cancer free this year and for many more to come with these quick 10 tips from Rutledge Forney, M.D., founder of Dermatology Affiliates.
1. Screen your sunscreen.
Mineral sunscreens are faster at blocking ultraviolet rays, as they sit on the skin and reflect light immediately. They’re also considered “cleaner” than chemical sunscreens, which are absorbed by the skin and cause a chemical reaction within the skin to block UV rays. You’ll know it’s mineral if its main ingredient is titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, says Dr. Forney. These natural ingredients are physical sunblocks that reflect light and are not absorbed by the skin (rather than their chemical counterparts that cause a chemical reaction within the skin).
2. Play by the numbers.
The American Academy of Dermatology endorses a sun protection factor (SPF)—which measures how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn—of at least 30 for daily use. Forney also supports using SPF 50 or higher if you’re going to be at the beach, pool or ski slopes. Note that SPF isn’t the only factor of importance when choosing a sunscreen: make sure it offers protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burn) rays.
3. Take a shot.
Apply about a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover exposed areas of your body. “Most people only put on one-quarter to one-half of the recommended amount of sunscreen, which means that an SPF 30 is really only equivalent to SPF 8 to 15,” Forney explains. “If you start with an 8-oz. sunscreen, it should be empty after a week at the beach if you are outside more than two hours a day!”
4. Reapplication situation.
Sunscreens are not waterproof or sweat-proof, ever. Longer-lasting ones, Forney notes, are usually labeled "sport" or "sweat/water resistant.” Regardless of the SPF number, you’ll need to reapply every two hours, especially if swimming or sweating.
5. Workday routine.
You may be inclined to only apply sunscreen when you’re heading to the park or lake, but consider if your day-to-day routine including commuting, sitting by a window and eating lunch outdoors. “Studies have shown that people who use SPF every day, whether they think they need it or not, cut their risk of melanoma in half over eight years,” Forney says.
6. Don’t get caught.
For the times when you weren’t expecting to be out in the sun, Forney suggests keeping a wide-brimmed hat in the car just as you may stash away an umbrella. “It’s easy to grab a hat from the trunk.” Plus, leaving sunscreen in a hot car can make some of its ingredients be degraded and not work well.
7. Apply some apparel.
Rashguards or swim shirts with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50 were invented by surfers, but now are seen at pools, beaches and water parks on everyone from infants to adults. Forney advocates for wearing these skin-saving cover-ups—even if it means sacrificing that tan (and showing off your sexy shoulders).
8. Get your spots checked.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. It blows my mind a little that there is no exact recommendation for when to see a board-certified dermatologist for a full-body skin exam because I had my first of several skin cancers removed at age 22. However, if you have a lot of moles or freckles, have had significant tanning bed use, a lot of sun exposure or a family history of skin cancer, many dermatologists recommend going before the age of 25. “Discuss the best strategy at that visit for how often you should see a dermatologist in the future—whether that’s once a year or some other interval,” Dr. Forney says.
9. Know your ABCDEs.
“The most important warning signal [for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer] is a flat mole that changes color or shape,” Dr. Forney says. Moles that are raised up very seldom turn cancerous. Look for the ABCDEs of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer: a flat mole that is asymmetric, has changing borders, develops multiple colors, has a dimension larger than a pencil eraser or evolves.
10. Be on the lookout.
“Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two common skin cancers that also need to be treated promptly to prevent spread,” Dr. Forney says. Look out for: a persistent lesion in a sun-exposed area that lasts longer than six weeks, is tender or bleeds easily, may grow rapidly and is red, brown or clear.
If you have a suspicious spot on your skin, call a dermatologist immediately. Don’t wait for an appointment for a full-body exam that can take several weeks; most derms will be able to see you quickly for a worrisome spot. This applies to all ages and ethnicities.
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