Are you looking for a way to protect from skin cancer? Perhaps your skin is too light, or you have relatives who have suffered from this disease. And the truth is that cases of skin cancer have progressively increased, and precautionary measures should take.
In this article, we share 6 habits that will help you protect your skin against cancer. Also we must become aware of this severe health problem and know the risk factors and effective preventive measures.
| Also Read: A Lot Of Red Spots On My Skin – Should I Worry?
Table of Contents
6 Habits That Help Protect You From Skin Cancer
1. Sunscreen
First of all, sunscreen designed to protect the skin against solar radiation. But by applying it, we are creating a barrier against ultraviolet rays. Besides for this reason, in recent decades, its use has been promoted from different spheres of public health.
However, cases of skin cancer in its most severe form have continued to rise. But, in addition to using sunscreen, we must take other preventive measures.
2. Antioxidant Lotions To Overcome From Skin Cancer
According to a study published by Duke University Medical Center, it suggests that sunscreens are useful but not ideal for skin protection. But they claim that this is because they not used correctly, that their spectrum is incomplete and that they can present toxicity.
Instead, they propose the topical application of some antioxidants as a complement to sunscreens. Also they assure that these are documented and would help protect the skin against cancer in an additional way. These are:
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E.
- Selenium.
- Zinc.
- Silymarin.
- Soy isoflavones.
- Tea polyphenols.
3. Routine Checks
We must consider whether we should go to routine checks. And some risk groups that require more significant preventive measures and controls are :
- History of skin cancer.
- Family history of melanoma.
- Excessive exposure to the sun.
- Skin with phototypes I or II.
- Genetic disorders with increased risk of skin cancer.
- Regular smokers.
- Patients with HIV, HPV, and polyomavirus.
4. Beware Of Some Medications
We must also take into account an unknown factor. Besides some medications increase photosensitivity, which would harm us in protecting the skin against cancer.
Some of these Medications are
- Tetracyclines (especially doxycycline).
- Thiazide diuretics.
- Sulfonamides.
- Fluoroquinolones.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Retinoids
- Grass of San Juan.
We can always consult with our doctor if we take some of these drugs. And if we cannot modify the treatment, we must take extreme precautions against sun exposure, given our greater vulnerability.
5. Effective Oral Supplements to Protect From Skin Cancer
We have discussed antioxidants topically. However, food always occupies a fundamental place in our health. And for this reason, we can turn to supplements that help us protect the skin against cancer with a proven scientific basis.
These supplements can be taken as a supplement. But should not consider as an exclusive measure to protect us from the harmful effects of the sun. Though they should be part of all these tips to get effective prevention. Besides, we recommend always consulting the doctor before taking supplements.
Below We Highlight the Most Effective Supplements. Also, We cite Some Foods Rich in these Nutrients
- Vitamin A: Liver, carrot, spinach, dairy, pumpkin, egg.
- Vitamin E: Olive oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, dried apricots, spinach, quinoa, oysters.
- Selenium: Brazil nuts, tuna, oysters, sesame, egg.
- Essential fatty acids: Bluefish, flax oil, evening primrose oil, avocado.
- Resveratrol: Grape or wine juice, peanut, dark chocolate, blueberry.
- Vitamin C: Acerola, guava, citrus, strawberries, kiwi.
6. Other Factors
Finally, we must emphasize that sun exposure is not the only culprit for skin cancer. Also, tanning beds and exposure to chemical agents in certain places or jobs can present a high risk.
Therefore, we must follow all these precautions. If we have an outdoor lifestyle, we will always need to wear appropriate clothing to protect our skin from cancer, as well as sunglasses and our sunscreen.
We also remember the importance of giving up toxic habits such as tobacco and following a complete and balanced diet without forgetting the routine checks whenever necessary.