As we head into summer, most of us are overjoyed to kick the cold, icy days of winter to the curb and swap them for pool days and beach trips.

But with this shift in seasons and fashionwear, it’s also important to think of our skin. Whereas winter skin needs moisture, summer skin needs protection — most importantly, protection from skin cancer.

Below, we’ll focus on 3 ways you can protect your skin from skin cancer this summer.

But first: What is skin cancer?

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells in your epidermis grow rapidly at an out-of-control rate. Mutations occur, and these uncontrolled cells can spread to other tissues and parts of the body. Ultimately, the proliferation of abnormal cancer cells leads to malignant (cancerous) tumors.

Skin cancer is almost always caused by an overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays. Put simply, if you spend too much time in the sun without protection (or at a tanning bed), you put yourself at risk of developing skin cancer.

3 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

1. Wear SPF

SPF stands for sun protection factor. An SPF of 30 or higher is generally recommended for most people on a daily basis. However, during the summer If you’re going to the beach or will be at the pool all day, opt for something higher and reapply as needed.

Many people like to make sure they wear SPF daily by using skincare products that already have sun protection incorporated. Although there is an unlimited variety of skincare products with SPF, here are some of New York Institute of Beauty’s recommendations: 

  • Solar Defense Booster by Dermalogica Broad Spectrum SPF 50– This is an amazing product because you can add it to anything – you can add a few drops to your moisturizer or your foundation or whatever you might use on your skin daily!
  • Intellishade TruPhysical Broad Spectrum SPF 45– This tinted moisturizer is a 5 in 1 formula that helps protect, correct, conceal, brighten, and hydrate the skin. 
  • PCA Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45– This lightweight formulation disappears into the skin! The added antioxidants protect against free radical damage. 

2. Wear protective clothing

Clothing can be a form of sun protection in itself. Wearing a large-brimmed hat, for example, is a great way to protect the delicate skin on your face from the sun. Long sleeves and long pants are also a good idea if the weather is appropriate.

Many beachgoers — and especially children — now opt for long-sleeved protective bathing suits rather than traditional bikinis. Some fabrics are even made to deflect the UV rays of the sun, but really, any material will provide at least some level of protection.

3. Sit in the shade

Finally, when possible, sit in the shade. Choose shady spots at outdoor bars and restaurants. Bring an umbrella to the beach. And invest in some type of shade or cover for any outdoor sitting areas you have at home.

Learn More About Skin Care at NYIB

New York Institute of Beauty (NYIB) offers an array of courses and advanced education for students interested in a career in beauty and skin care. Learn how to take care of not only your skin but others’ as well — and make a living while doing it!

Contact New York Institute of Beauty today to learn more about our Esthetics programs.