Prevent Skin Cancer With Simple Habits, Use Sunscreen Routinely

Illustration of the use of sunscreen (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and dangerous forms of skin cancer. Early prevention is a crucial step to reduce risks, especially by avoiding excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.

One of the most effective ways to protect the skin is to regularly use sunscreen.

Exposure to UV light not only causes the skin to burn or cause black spots and wrinkles, but can also trigger abnormal cell growth which leads to skin cancer.

Although the highest statistical risk is experienced by white individuals, those who have darker skins such as blacks and Hispanics actually have a lower survival rate when exposed to melanoma, because generally this disease is detected more slowly.

Melanin on dark skin does provide natural protection against sunlight, but this protection is not entirely sufficient.

Dr. Jenna totaling, founder of Skin of Color Clinic at the University of California, San Francisco, insists that all skin types still need additional sunscreen.

"Everyone needs sunscreen. However, the reason a person uses sunscreen can be different, depending on the color of his skin," said Dr.

Sunscreen is not only important to prevent skin cancer, but also helps protect against hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and acne scars. However, many people have not used it in the right way.

For optimal protection, it is recommended to apply about two sections of the sunscreen finger to the face, and a large pinch for the body. Products with a minimum SPF of 30 should be used every day, and repeated every two hours, especially if exposed to direct sunlight or after swimming.

For dark skin owners who are worried about white residue from sunscreen, products with chemical or tinted sunscreen (colorable) can be an option because they do not leave bright scars on the skin. Products with color pigments also help keep the beam from visible rays, which are known to worsen black spots.

In addition to sunscreen, additional protection such as a wide hat, long-sleeved clothes with an UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, and avoiding the sun directly at peak hours between 10 am to 4 pm can strengthen prevention efforts.

Dr. Howl also reminds UV light can penetrate the windows of houses and cars, which means skin protection is still needed even indoors when the sun shines brightly.

Kunci dari perlindungan kulit adalah konsistensi. Lebih baik dilakukan sedikit tapi rutin, daripada hanya sekali, ujarnya.