Some cancers reach deep into surrounding tissue. They may also spread from the skin to other organs of the body. Each year, more than 2 million people are treated for 2 types of skin cancer: basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.
Another 48, are diagnosed with an early form of the disease that involves only the top layer of skin. Melanomas arise from the cells that provide pigment color to the skin.
A major risk factor for melanoma is having a large number of moles, or having large flat moles with irregular shapes. Sunburns, especially during childhood, may also raise your risk for melanoma. Although darker-skinned people have a lower risk for sun-related damage and disease, people of all races and skin color can still get skin cancer. The best way to protect skin health and prevent skin cancer is to limit sun exposure.
Avoid prolonged time in the sun, and choose to be in the shade rather than in direct sunlight. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use sunscreen between 10 a. Sunscreens come labeled with a sun protection factor SPF , such as 15, 30, or A sunscreen labeled SPF 15 means it will take you 15 times as long to get a sunburn as it would if you had no sunscreen on.
A sunscreen labeled SPF 30 means it would take you 30 times as long to burn. The effectiveness of sunscreens is affected by several factors. The amount of sunscreen you use and how often you use it affects your protection from the sun. Perspiration and time spent in the water can also reduce sunscreen effectiveness. Some people look to the sun as a source of vitamin D, but it takes just a brief time in the sun to do the trick. Several factors—like cloudy days or having dark-colored skin—can reduce the amount of vitamin D your skin makes.
But you can also get vitamin D from foods or dietary supplements. Check with your health care provider about whether you should be taking vitamin D supplements. The longer, brighter days out in the sun can also improve your mood, says Dr Munn. Plus, being exposed to natural daylight — including while sunbathing — regulates your circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep.
It's important to remember that sunbathing can pose risks to your health, too. When your skin tans, it creates brown-coloured pigment called melanin to protect it against the harmful UV rays in sunlight. This means even the lightest suntan is evidence of skin damage. Even though a tan is your body's way of protecting itself against UV rays, if the damaged skin cells can't repair themselves, they can become cancerous. When you spent time in the sun you're also at risk of sunburn, which can be extremely painful and even cause blisters if severe.
It can also lead to melanoma later in life. You may also experience heat rash, characterised by itchy red bumps, or heat exhaustion, signs of which include muscle cramps, weakness, headache, dizziness and more. You should be particularly careful sunbathing in spring, when your skin is pale, but even once you have a tan, it doesn't guarantee that you will avoid skin cancer later on in life.
Sun exposure is a key factor in skin cancer, which can appear many years later. Having pale skin that doesn't tan, red hair and freckles puts you in the highest risk category for long-term sun damage. But during the summer, all skin types should stay out of the sun at the hottest times of the day, which is between 11am to 3pm.
Likewise, you may not feel the sun's rays if it's windy, but they still cause damage, so you should still wear sunscreen. As a general rule, aim for a short period of time spent sunbathing — around 15 to 30 minutes.
The European SPF system is based on the time a person with pale skin can remain in the sun without getting red and tender. Please update your billing details here to continue enjoying your access to the most informative and considered journalism in the UK.
Accessibility Links Skip to content. Menu Close. Log in Subscribe. Even a single episode of skin damage can be the difference between developing serious skin disease or not.
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