At Florida Westcoast Skin and Cancer Center, many patients in the Tampa, FL area have a wide range of questions regarding the protection and health of their skin. Skin cancer is prevalent and is preventable with proper skin protection. Dr. Michael Scannon and his associates are committed to educating patients on skin protection habits and the importance of wearing sunscreen products all year long. In fact, many patients ask our team if they have to wear sunscreen during the autumn months if they are not spending as much time outdoors. Our team is here to break the myths and provide patients with the information they need to know to keep their skin looking great and reduce their risk of skin cancer.
Do I need to wear sunscreen in the fall months?
Yes, you should continue to wear sunscreen in the fall months! Just because the weather is cooling down does not mean that the sun’s harmful UV rays are any less potent. In fact, according to studies from the Skin Cancer Foundation, ultraviolet ray exposure is cumulative. It continues to add up over a person’s lifetime, increasing their risk of skin cancer in the future. So even if you were not diligent about applying sunscreen in the past, it is critical to start now and make it a habit!
What should I look for in a sunscreen product?
There are a few things you will want to keep in mind when choosing a sunscreen for the fall months:
- Make sure it has an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
- Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply sunscreen liberally, and be sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Consider using a moisturizer with SPF for an extra layer of protection.
- And finally, do not forget to protect your lips! Choose a lip balm or lipstick with SPF 15 or higher.
These recommendations can be closely followed to significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer and improving the skin’s health and appearance.
So go ahead and enjoy the cooler fall weather—just do not forget the sunscreen!
Call Florida Westcoast Skin and Cancer Center of Tampa, FL, today to schedule a consultation appointment and learn more about protecting your beautiful skin from skin cancer. Call 813-877-4811 to request an evaluation or skin cancer screening.