How to Lower Your Risk of Skin Cancer
By Sara Butler
Everyone knows if you’re going to be out in the sun, then you need to wear sunscreen. It doesn’t hurt to don a hat and other protective clothing, either. Beyond that, what can you do to help lower your risk of skin cancer? It turns out there are several things you can do – and a few of them are things you may not have thought of! Here are some tips to help you keep your skin healthy, even when out in the sun.
Be Window Wary
When you’re in the car, you may think the windows protect you from the harmful rays of the sun – but that’s not the case. Your car’s windshield does deflect both UVB and UVA rays but the side windows don’t protect you from UVA rays, just UVB. UVB rays are the ones that burn your skin while UVA rays are the ones that can give you skin cancer. Windows at home only block UVB rays, too. It’s important to be aware so you can take steps to protect your skin, even when you’re behind a window. You can buy UV filters for the windows of your cars and the windows at home – and sunblock is always a great idea!
Watch Your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol has been found to increase the impact of UV rays on skin, according to a research study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention. In this study, the researchers discovered that for every drink you have, your risk of melanoma skin cancer increases by 14 percent. White wine seems to be the worst offender, too. So watch what you drink at your next outdoor barbecue.
Drink More Coffee!
If you need a reason to drink more coffee, protecting your skin from cancer may be just what you need! Many studies have linked coffee consumption with lower rates of non-melanoma cancer of the skin. Researchers theorize that coffee may block the kind of cell division that leads to the development of skin cancer. Just make sure you don’t nullify these benefits by filling your coffee with sugar and fat. Bottoms up, coffee lovers!
Eat Garlic
A weak or compromised immune system will have more difficulty fighting off skin cancer, according to the British Journal of Dermatology. That’s because when you have a weakened immune system, it can’t kill off cancer cells in their early stages, allowing them to gain a foothold and begin to grow. You need to make sure you’re exercising, eating right, and maintaining a healthy weight to have an immune system in good shape; garlic is a great way to beef up your health since it’s a known immune system booster!
If you're going to live a healthy lifestyle, then you have to protect your skin from the sun!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Des Peres, Mo.