Everyone should protect their skin from the sun's UV radiation, but did you know that older people are more at risk for two prevalent kinds of skin cancer?

This is in part because elderly people, who may have spent decades in the sun, are more susceptible to the cumulative effects of UV radiation. Reduced autoimmune function as we age also raises our chance of developing skin cancer. Additionally, it could be more challenging for older people to recognize possibly cancerous areas in time for successful treatment due to benign skin lesions, brown patches, and other aging indicators.

Since July is UV Safety Awareness Month, now is an excellent opportunity to give your elderly loved one advice on how to stay safe in the summer sun and lower their chance of developing skin cancer.

Recognize the different UV ray types

UVB, UVA, and UVC rays are all forms of radiation that the sun emits. The ozone layer covers most of Earth, absorbing all UVB and all UVC radiation. Visible side effects of UVB exposure include sunburn, suntan, brown patches, wrinkles, and skin cancer.

Wearing sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 whenever you or a loved one goes outside is becoming more and more crucial as the Earth's ozone layer is being destroyed by natural gases and man-made chemicals. As a result, we have less protection from UVB rays.

Yet not only UVB radiation should cause us concern

UVA radiation from the sun might be thought of as a silent killer. Without feeling warm or creating a sunburn, these rays can penetrate some types of glass and produce wrinkles, brown patches, and skin cancer.

Make sure your elderly loved one is wearing sunscreen on their face, hands, and arms if they are going on a long vehicle trip or prefer sitting by the window in the midday heat.

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When the sun is at its brightest, stay inside

Encourage your elderly loved one to stay indoors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the hottest part of the day to avoid the heat and the risk of UVB radiation.

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Savor a wonderful meal. Attend a course. or take in a film

There is lots to do until the sun sets in the evening.

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Always use SPF 30, and apply it again and again

The sun's rays may have a disastrous effect on your loved one's skin and health, whether it's winter or summer, indoors or out! Always use SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours on any exposed body regions. If you are working up a sweat or in the water, do it more frequently.

Contact a dermatologist Regularly

Skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) affect the majority of elderly people. Adults over the age of 40 are 10 times more likely than those under 40 to develop malignant melanoma.

Make sure your loved one has a thorough examination from a dermatologist every year. When you visit your loved one, keep an eye out for any spots or moles between visits. Make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as you detect any changes.

Always use sun protection

Following these sun safety recommendations, year-round may help your elderly loved one lower their chance of developing skin cancer for years to come since prevention is vital. Contact our team for more details.