Easy Methods of avoiding Sun Damage and Skin Cancer.

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Introduction

The sun provides us with warmth, light, and vitamin D, but it also poses a problem with ultraviolet (UV) radiation which is also very dangerous unnoticed. Although a slight amount of sunshine is healthy but on excessive exposure, it may result in serious skin damage, premature aging and in most cases skin cancer.

The good news? Majority of skin cancer is preventable. With just these few daily habits, you will be able to keep your skin safe, maintain good health as well as safely enjoy the outdoors. Dr. Shaun Segal has provided useful, simple ideas that anyone can follow to avoid the dire consequences of harsh sunlight and reduce the chances of getting a skin cancer in this guide without the need to use any of the medical terms that the other doctors use.

Why Sun Protection Matters

There are two major types of UV rays emitted by the sun that impact on the skin:

• UVA rays – lead to premature aging, wrinkles and deep skin damages.
  
  
• UVB rays – have a biggest role in skin cancer and result in sunburn.
  
  

Both of the two might damage the DNA of your skin causing mutation which will turn out to be cancerous in the long run. Their impact does not manifest itself immediately, but accumulates secretly over years of unprotected exposure.

As Dr. Shaun Segal puts it, “Every tan, every burn counts up, counts up. It is never late to shield your skin but the sooner you start the better.”

1. Wear Sunscreen, It is Not Just Relevant in Summer.

The first defence mechanism against sun damage is to have a sunscreen. It forms a protective layer, which absorbs or reflects UV rays that are destructive.

What to Look For

• Broad-spectrum protection: This protects against UVA and UVB.
  
  
• SPF 30 and above: Ideal for everyday use. SPF 50+ for long outdoor hours.
  
  
• Waterproof formulas: Best for swimming, perspiration or humid climates.
  
  

How to Apply Properly

• Wear sunscreen at least 20–30 minutes before stepping out.
  
  
• Apply a teaspoon to your face and neck and two tablespoons to your body.
  
  
• Reapply every two hours, or after sweating or swimming.
  
  
• Do not forget ears, lips, feet, and the back of your hands.
  
  

Even on cloudy or cold days, up to 80% of UV radiation still reaches your skin. Treat sunscreen like brushing your teeth — daily.

2. Protective Clothing with Cover Up.

One of the best sun shields your wardrobe can have.

• Wear long sleeves and large hats to cover sensitive parts like shoulders, neck and face.
  
  
• Choose tightly woven or dark clothes for better UV protection.
  
  
• Look for UPF-certified clothing (UPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays).
  
  
• UV-blocking sunglasses protect your eyes and delicate surrounding skin.
  
  

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, cotton or linen breathable fabrics work great for daily wear — comfortable yet protective.

3. Find Shade on Sunny Peak Hours.

Between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UV rays are strongest.

When outdoors during these hours:

• Stay under umbrellas, trees, shade structures.
  
  
• Use portable canopies for longer outdoor stays.
  
  
• Schedule activities like walks or workouts during early mornings or late afternoons.
  
  

Shade does not block reflected UV rays. Sunlight can bounce off sand, water, snow and pavement, so sunscreen is still required.

4. Keep Your Skin Hydrated

Healthy, moist skin is stronger and more resilient. Sun exposure dries the skin, making it prone to peeling and early aging.

How to Stay Hydrated

• Drink 6–8 glasses of water per day.
  
  
• Eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, oranges and watermelon.
  
  
• Apply soothing lotions or after-sun gels to lock moisture.
  
  
• Avoid harsh soaps and long hot showers which strip natural oils.
  
  

Moisturizers with antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E help repair sun-induced damage.

5. Avoid UV Beds and Fake Sunlights.

Tanning beds produce stronger UV radiation than the sun.

Research shows: using tanning beds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%.

Dr. Segal explains: “There is no safe tan; a tan is simply your skin’s reaction to trauma.”

If you want a bronzed look, use self-tanning creams or bronzers — they do not expose your skin to UV.

6. Swear Skin Protection When Driving or Near Windows.

Most people don’t know UV rays pass through glass.

To protect yourself:

• Apply sunscreen before driving.
  
  
• Install window tints or UV-filtering films at home and in cars.
  
  
• Keep SPF sunscreen and lip balm in your bag or car for reapplication.
  
  

These tiny habits greatly reduce daily UV exposure — especially on your face, arms and hands.

7. Eat a Skin-Protective Diet

Healthy skin begins internally. Nutrient-rich foods enhance your skin’s defence against UV damage.

Top foods for sun-safe skin

• Tomatoes: Lycopene protects against UV damage.
  
  
• Carrots & sweet potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene.
  
  
• Leafy greens: Packed with antioxidants.
  
  
• Fish (salmon, sardines): High in omega-3 fatty acids.
  
  
• Green tea: Contains polyphenols that help prevent skin cancer.
  
  

Internal nutrition paired with external protection forms a strong defence system.

8. Educate Children on Sun Safety Early.

Children’s skin is more sensitive, and childhood sunburns increase cancer risk later.

• Apply SPF 30+ before school or outdoor play.
  
  
• Make kids wear hats, sunglasses, loose long sleeves.
  
  
• Promote shaded playtime.
  
  
• Make sun protection fun — involve kids in applying sunscreen.
  
  

Sun safety in childhood creates lifelong healthy habits.

9. Check Your Skin Regularly

Early detection makes treatment easier.

• Self-examine every month.
  
  
• Get a professional skin check yearly.
  
  

Look for:

• Sudden new spots or moles.
  
  
• Changes in existing moles in size, shape or colour.
  
  
• Non-healing sores.
  
  
• Persistent scaly patches.
  
  

Use mirrors for hard-to-see places and take photos to track changes.

10. How to Treat Sunburns

Mistakes happen — if you get sunburned:

• Move out of the sun immediately.
  
  
• Use ice or aloe vera gel.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water.
  
  
• Do not pop blisters.
  
  
• Use over-the-counter pain relief.
  
  

See a doctor if burns are severe or blistering. Frequent sunburns cause permanent skin damage and increase cancer risk.

Bonus: Know Your Risk Factors

You are at higher risk if you:

• Have fair or easily burning skin.
  
  
• Have freckles or light eyes.
  
  
• Have a family history of skin cancer.
  
  
• Spend long hours outdoors.
  
  
• Have a weakened immune system.
  
  

Regular check-ups with a specialist like Dr. Shaun Segal help detect issues early.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing like sunshine, but too much of it can harm you. The goal isn’t to avoid the sun — it’s to enjoy it safely.

Daily sunscreen, protective clothing, a healthy diet, and awareness of skin changes dramatically lower your risk of skin cancer while keeping your skin glowing.

Dr. Shaun Segal puts it simply:

“You are given only one skin — mind it day-in, day-out.”

Protect your skin today to secure your future health, confidence and natural beauty.