Skin-Cancer Prevention Tips for ‘Don’t Fry Day’
Memorial Day weekend and ‘Don’t Fry Day’ mark the beginning of the tanning season; here are some tips to prevent skin cancer while having fun in the sun
Memorial Day means summer is right around the corner. But too much fun in the sun can wreak havoc on your skin and even cause skin cancer.
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day,May 25, 2012, as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness by reminding everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. Health and beauty expert Paula Simpson also recommends several antioxidants that can also help you battle skin cancer, not just on “Don’t Fry Day,” but every day.
Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States; the American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer. More than 2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are found in this country each year. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, accounted for about 68,130 cases of skin cancer in 2010 alone.
The Environmental Protection Agency says that on this “Don’t Fry Day,” remember to Slip! Slop! Slap!…and Wrap when you’re outdoors — slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses. And follow these tips to protect your skin:
- Avoid sun burning, intentional tanning, and using tanning beds.
- Apply sunscreen generously
- Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Seek shade.
- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand.
- Get vitamin D safely through food and vitamin D supplements.
Paula Simpson
The American Cancer Society offers more protection tips here.
Paula Simpson, an internationally known health, fitness and beauty expert, says a growing body of research concludes that certain antioxidants may further protect the skin from the permanent damage cause by sun exposure. On the top of list: Green tea, cocoa, polyphenols from berries, cantaloupe, and tomatoes (particularly tomato paste as it is lycopene rich), have shown in human clinical studies to help reduce the post-inflammatory response cause by sun exposure and may help to protect the skin cells from permanent cellular damage.
“You should always apply a topical SPF on a daily basis, but if you are seeking added protection for your skin, you may want to implement certain antioxidants into your diet and/or supplement with a antioxidant rich formulation to optimize skin protection both topically and internally!” Simpson says.
So before you play this weekend, slather on the sunscreen and a hat. Your skin will thank you!
For more health and beauty stories from genConnect:
- Skin Cancer Awareness Month; How Antioxidants Can Help
- Meghan McCain’s Skin Cancer Campaign; How You Can Protect Your Skin (VIDEO)
- How Nutrition Influences Your Skin’s Aging Process
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Category: Beauty & Fashion, Lifestyle, Views on the News
