A Dermatologist Shares 4 Skin Cancer Prevention Tips You Need To Know Before Going Outside

Summer days at the beach, pool or in the garden can lead to accidental sunburn if we’re not careful, which may increase the odds of several common types of skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) down the line. “Protecting the skin from sun damage is important because UV radiation is the most significant and modifiable environmental risk factor for developing skin cancer,” says Michael Christopher, MD, board-certified dermatologist. When it comes to skin cancer prevention, we’re sharing the strategies that really work.

4 skin cancer prevention tips experts swear by

We know you know this, but it bears repeating: Avoiding indoor tanning beds and regularly applying sunscreen (even on cloudy days) are two crucial steps that should be part of everyone’s skin cancer prevention routine. Aside from those smart moves, there are other ways to help protect against excess sun exposure: 

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Eat red fruits and veggies

Red foods such as tomatoes, watermelon and peppers contain a nutrient called lycopene, which studies have found helps protect skin from UV-ray damage. Dr. Christopher says eating these foods can’t replace sunscreen, of course, but their antioxidant properties can be beneficial to skin. “UV radiation creates oxidative stress in the skin, and some antioxidants may reduce UV-related damage,” he explains. (Bonus: Check out how lycopene supports weight loss.)

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Wear sunscreen—even under clothing

Regular clothing only offers minimal protection against the sun’s rays, and the UPF in sun shirts may lose effectiveness after repeated washing. That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen even under clothing. Two sunscreen options we like: Peach & Lily Sun Cover Mineral Sunscreen is a great option for your face—it fights oxidative stress and inflammation—while Vacation Classic Whip Glow SPF 30 gives your body a radiant shimmer.

Also smart: Choose more protective fabric when you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. “A thin white cotton shirt (bleached cotton) allows significantly more UV radiation to reach the skin than an unbleached cotton shirt, which contains natural components that provide UV protection such as pectin, pigment, wax and lignin,” Dr. Christopher points out. Synthetic materials such as polyester and darker colors also provide more protection and aid in skin cancer prevention.

Avoid sneaky sun damage

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Dr. Christopher says it’s important to wear sunscreen every day to avoid unintentional damage while driving, getting the mail or walking the dog. “I see patients who get sunburned not because they spent the day at the beach, but because they were outside longer than expected,” he says. 

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Treat bad burns

Applying topical fluorouracil (a prescription medication) to badly sun-damaged skin helps keep burns from advancing into something more serious. “Numerous studies have shown its efficacy at reducing actinic keratosis (precancerous growths), as well as reducing the formation of squamous cell carcinoma in the treatment areas,” Dr. Christopher says. Studies show applying this prescription treatment option to damaged skin for up to four weeks delivers the benefit. 

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