Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. — here’s how to protect yourself

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Summer is a season most people look forward to. It’s a time to gather with friends and family for beach days, backyard barbecues, and prime patio weather. It’s also the time of year when everyone flocks outside for hours on end, soaking up the sun. When you’re spending a majority of your days outdoors, it’s important to protect your skin. After all, it’s your body’s largest organ, and when exposed to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, you increase your risk for skin cancer. 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, and a study found that a vast majority can be caused by UV exposure from the sun. Additionally, having more than five sunburns can double your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. I was diagnosed with melanoma in March at age 29, and after a successful surgery, I talked to my dermatologist about what products I should be using to keep myself safe and protect my skin from harmful UV rays moving forward. After diagnosis, I have a higher chance of recurrence, which means sunscreen and other UV protective products, such as sun shirts, hats, and umbrellas, aren’t optional; they’re necessary. 

Now, I’m urging everyone I know to take sun protection seriously this summer and am often asked where to start. Below, I’ve listed all of the recommendations I’ve gotten from my dermatologist, as well as some other options I’ve found online through my own research and recommendations from other melanoma survivors. The good news is that Walmart and Amazon have a plethora of options at affordable prices. Not only will these products help protect you, but they could save you money in the long run. Speaking from experience, medical bills aren’t cheap. In the U.S., treating skin cancers is estimated to cost $8.1 billion annually, the Skin Cancer Foundation says. 

Why is sun protection so important?  

The sun is a beautiful thing, but it’s also incredibly powerful. It’s important to enjoy fun in the sun safely because skin damage is no joke. Nobody enjoys a sunburn, and not only can it lead to painful blisters and increase the risk of skin cancer, but it can also lead to premature aging, presenting as fine lines and wrinkles. Although I believe that aging is a privilege and there’s nothing wrong with showing signs of getting older, you don’t want it to be from harmful UV rays. The more you protect your skin, the longer you can have a youthful appearance and keep your skin radiant and healthy. Thankfully, there are several easy ways to do so, and there are products that work for everyone. 

UPF sun shirts

A majority of dermatologists will tell you that the key to protecting your skin is to shield it from UV rays as much as possible. I know wearing a long-sleeve shirt in the dead of summer sounds less than ideal, but hear me out. I wear these all the time now and can assure you, they aren’t that bad. In fact, I find them to be rather comfortable, and this is coming from someone who used to be a shorts-and-tank-top girl. 

If lathering in sunscreen on a daily basis doesn’t sound appealing, a UPF sun shirt is the way to go. Not only are they easy and convenient to wear, but they can even save you money by saving on sunscreen. Unlike sunscreen, it’s a one-time purchase you can use over and over again without having to buy a refill. These lightweight shirts offer coverage for your arms, shoulders, back, and waist and are often made of synthetic materials that feel cool to the touch, which is an added bonus when wearing them in the summer heat. They are great for outdoor enthusiasts who are outside for long hours each day and may not have the time to reapply lotion every two hours — gardeners, hikers, and athletes, I’m looking at you. Many options available have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 50+. A UPF 50 rating means that the fabric blocks a majority of the sun’s UV rays, only allowing 2% to reach your skin. This is different from SPF (sun protection factor), which measures the time it takes for your skin to burn. 

The sun shirts I swear by and wear weekly are the Carhartt brand, but there are tons of other options that are more affordable and honestly feel the same. The reason I went with Carhartt is that it’s a trusted brand that already has a major presence in my closet, and I was able to snag it on sale. 

Carhartt Women’s Force Sun Defender

Zity 3-Pack Men’s Sun Protection Hoodie Shirt

Telaleo 5-Pack Long-Sleeve Shirts

Types of sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most common and, according to my dermatologist, the most effective form of sun protection. Anything above a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 30 will do as long as you reapply every two hours. This is the part many people struggle with, and ultimately get sun damage because of it. If you use it as directed, sunscreen will be your best friend this summer. 

My doctor told me to always go with a sunscreen lotion instead of a spray if you can, because they provide more accurate coverage and offer better protection. If a spray is all you have, it’s definitely better than nothing. Similarly, he explained that mineral sunscreens are the better option as opposed to chemical-based sunscreens, but again, if a chemical option is what you have, it’s okay to use it. 

You might be wondering, what’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens? Don’t worry, I had this question, too. The answer is the ingredients and the way they work with your skin. Mineral sunscreens typically have minimal active ingredients, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It provides a topical layer over your skin to protect it from the sun and allows you to visibly see where it has been applied, whereas chemical sunscreens have a laundry list of ingredients and absorb into your skin. 

I will admit, some mineral sunscreens leave behind a white film, but I’ve found that the Blue Lizard brand blends in the best and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy. The brand makes mineral sunscreens for your entire body, including the face and lips. Every dermatologist I’ve spoken to recommends Blue Lizard as a top choice, and the lids of the bottles even alert you when UV rays are present. I did a little experiment for my Instagram followers to see if the lid actually worked, and it was baffling to see how often we are exposed to UV rays, even indoors. Below are all of the sunscreens I use regularly and have had the most success with.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Blue Lizard Sheer Face Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Blue Lizard Mineral SPF 15 Lip Balm

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CeraVe Hydrating Tinted Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion

Other UV accessories 

Sunscreen and UV sun shirts are great places to start for good protection, but there are other products you should use along with them to maximize your safety this summer. Sun hats and UV umbrellas are two of the most popular accessories that I have on hand. These products help protect your scalp from UV rays, where sunscreen and sun shirts can’t be used. I was never a hat person before my diagnosis, and now I wear one every time I’m outside. Similar to sunscreens, anything is better than nothing, whether you choose a bucket hat, baseball cap, or a beanie. The best options to look for, though, are those with a UPF rating and wide brims that shield your face and neck. There are a lot of cute and comfortable options available pretty much everywhere at varying price points.

Umbrellas aren’t just for rainy days; they’re for sunny days, too. I had never heard of UV umbrellas until one of my Instagram followers recommended them to me. I purchased mine recently, and I’ve already used it far more than I thought I would. The secret is to buy one that’s compact and convenient to carry. The one I found at Amazon comes in a cute carrying case, which I love, and its overall size is perfect for providing shade without taking up a ton of space around me. A UV umbrella is a nice alternative to a hat when you don’t want to ruin a good hair day or don’t have time to lather in sunscreen for a quick outing. 

Baodini Travel Essentials Mini UPF 50+ Umbrella

Furtalk Straw Sun Hat UPF 50

Duluth Trading Co. Reversible Garden Bucket Hat

What option is best for you? 

As I’ve preached throughout this article, anything is better than nothing. Whether you prefer sun shirts, sunscreen, or other UV accessories, you’re already doing your skin a favor by using any of them, but it’s ideal to use all three. All of these products cost less than $40, which is a small price to pay for protecting an organ and keeping yourself healthy, and if it means saving money on medical bills down the line, that’s also a win. A mantra I now live by is, wear the hat and wear the sunscreen. 

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