Summertime means plenty of fun in the sun. Whether you love swimming, hiking, or visiting theme parks, few people can resist the lure of outdoor warm-weather activities. But too much time in the sun can wreak havoc on your skin. Do you know how to check yourself for skin cancer or other abnormalities? Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself during the hot summer months — and all year long.
How to check yourself for skin cancer
A monthly skin self-check is the best way to catch potential issues before they develop into full-blown problems like skin cancer. Here’s how to do it:
- When you step out of the shower, head into a room with a full-length mirror and plenty of good lighting. Grab a hand mirror as well.
- Face the mirror and start your examination at the top of your head. Pull back your hair to check your scalp, then slowly work your way down your face, neck, chest, and belly. If you have breasts, be sure to lift them to check underneath.
- Next, turn your attention to your underarms, arms, hands, and fingers. Don’t forget to look under your fingernails.
- Sit down and examine your legs, starting with your thighs and working your way down to your feet. Use the hand mirror to check the bottoms of your feet and the backs of your legs.
- Stand up and turn your back to the mirror. Using the hand mirror to help you see, start at the top of your back and slowly work your way all the way down to your buttocks.
What to look for when checking yourself for skin cancer
The goal is to spot any suspicious changes to your skin. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in moles or other existing skin spots
- New or expanding growths, spots, or bumps
- Rough, scaly red patches, with or without bleeding
- Any new moles, especially if they have irregular edges, multiple colors, or odd shapes
- Anything that looks out of the ordinary
Not all skin changes mean cancer. But skin cancer typically starts with minor skin changes, so it’s worth having anything unusual checked out. Skin cancer is highly treatable in its early stages but can become dangerous if allowed to grow unchecked.
Protecting your skin
Of course, the best way to deal with skin cancer is never to allow it to develop in the first place. And beyond cancer, there are lots of painful and unsightly skin conditions that can develop or worsen with sun exposure. You can’t prevent all skin cancers and other skin conditions, but you can lower your risks by always taking care to protect your skin. Here are a few tips:
- Cover up. The less sun exposure, the lower your chances of damaging your skin. Whenever possible, choose long sleeves, pants, and a hat. Lightweight, light-colored fabrics are comfortable even in the blazing summer sun.
- Use sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply to all areas of exposed skin and reapply every two hours or after swimming or being caught in the rain.
- Avoid midday. The sun’s rays are the strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whenever possible, spend those hours indoors. If you need to be outside, seek shade.
- Develop a daily skincare routine. Skincare products won’t prevent cancer, but they can help you avoid a lot of bothersome and irritating skin conditions. Every morning and night, you’ll want to cleanse, treat any issues, and finish with a good moisturizer.
- See the dermatologist. All adults should visit a dermatologist once a year, or possibly more often if you have any existing skin issues. These professionals can help you develop better skincare habits, perform a professional skin check, and treat any emerging issues before they become serious.
How to choose skincare products
The best way to select skincare products is to ask your dermatologist. They can guide you toward items that are formulated for your skin type and designed to combat any unique challenges your skin faces. However, you can also follow some basic guidelines to choose products that will work for you.
- Learn your skin type. Is your skin oily, dry, or a combination? Is it sensitive? You’ll want to use only products that will work well for your skin.
- Know your issues. Do your hand chap and crack in dry weather? Are you prone to summer breakouts? Understanding your skin’s challenges will help you select products to treat them.
- Read reviews. Forget the hype and focus on real-world reviews from real people. Be sure to carefully read the bad reviews as well as the good.
- Understand the ingredients. You need to know what you’re putting on your skin. Take the time to read labels and learn about each ingredient and why it’s there.
- Do a patch test. Anyone can be sensitive to anything, and you don’t want to cause a rash or other irritation. Before using a new product, apply it a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to make sure no issues arise.
Our skin gets the most attention during the summer, since most people are aware of sun-related risks. But your skin needs love all year long! These tips won’t guarantee you’ll never get skin cancer, but learning how to check yourself for skin cancer or other issues is essential. If anything should arise, monthly self-checks and an annual dermatologist visit can help ensure it’s caught and treated early.