What Is Melanoma And How To Prevent It With SPF

As Australia heads into another scorching summer, it’s alarming to note that skin cancer rates in Australia are 2 to 3 times higher than in the US, Canada and the UK, according to the Cancer Council. 

Why, exactly? Locations in the southern hemisphere get about 15% more UV radiation than the equivalent northern latitude locations. Basically, greater sun exposure intensity. Not great news.

But wherever you are in the world, there are always some simple preventative measures you can take for healthier skin. SPF is super important, among other things like avoiding excessive time in the sun. These steps can greatly reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. The most deadly kind is melanoma, but the most common are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

So, what to do? Half the battle is picking an effective sunscreen and remembering to apply it every morning as part of your skin care routine, rain or shine! Here’s the lowdown on how to pick a great SPF and look after your skin’s health.

Tip #1: Select A Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

SPF measures how well the formula protects you from UVB rays, so it won’t tell you anything about protection from UVA light. That’s why you need to look for ‘broad spectrum’ on the label which means you’re getting protection from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are what you can blame for wrinkles and premature aging. In comparison, UVB rays are responsible for burning your skin and causing skin cancer. Luckily our Oh My Bod! SPF50 Body Sunscreen ticks every box - it is formulated with eco-friendly ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate and protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as grime from pollution and smog. 

Tip #2: Regularly Check Your Body 

Next time you jump out of the shower, check your body up and down, searching for any new spot that appears. Also ensure you’re studying any existing spot, noting whether it changes in colour, size or shape. Remember spots can even appear on parts of the skin that aren't exposed to the sun.

Tip #3: Apply SPF 20 Minutes Before Leaving The House

Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before exposure to UV to fully protect you. A sunscreen like Resting Beach Face SPF30 Sunscreen Serum is perfect as an everyday sunscreen that you can apply before your makeup each day. It has SPF30 and defends skin against both UVA/UVB rays, free radicals, dehydration, and environmental aggressors.

Final Thoughts On SPF And Skin Cancer

There's a danger in assuming that applying sunscreen is all you need to ever do to prevent skin cancer. In addition to wearing SPF every day, don’t get lax about staying out on scorching days for hours at a time. Keep an eye on the time and wear sunglasses, and protective clothing and a hat as further preventative measures. Stay protected humans!