10 Bad Habits That Can Cause Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a common yet serious medical condition. Unfortunately, there are things you might be doing that are likely to increase the likelihood of getting skin cancer. It’s common knowledge to know that basking in the sun without applying sunscreen protection is one habit that can lead to skin cancer. However, there are several other less obvious habits that can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Below are ten bad habits that can cause skin cancer.

10 Bad Habits That Can Cause Skin Cancer

1. Cigarette Smoking

More often than not, cigarette smokers presume that they only risk getting lung cancer. However, smoking is a dangerous habit for your overall health, and it could increase the possibility of skin cancer. For instance, studies have demonstrated that cigarette smoking is a risk factor for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Other studies indicate that cigarette smoking destroys DNA in your skin tissues, leading to abnormal cell development. Thus, smoking is one of the bad habits that can increase your likelihood of getting skin cancer.

2. Not Wearing Sunglasses

Often, most people mistake sunglasses as items of fashion rather than protecting the skin around the eyes. Wearing your sunglasses can help protect your super-thin-skinned eyelids from the risk of getting skin cancer. Skin health experts recommend that you wear your sunglasses any time you’re outdoors enjoying the sunshine. Besides, you should opt for sunglasses that can offer plenty of blockage from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

3. Not Consuming Enough Vegetables

Consuming enough vegetables is not only good for your overall health, but it can also help protect you against skin cancer. Cruciferous vegetables, including kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, are processed into isothiocyanates and indoles, which are two compounds that hinder the development of cancerous cells. Additionally, vegetables enhance your immune system, which is important for fighting off disease-causing pathogens.

4. Failure to Use Sunscreen Correctly

Often, many individuals who apply sunscreen do so incorrectly and end up failing to protect their skin. For instance, it’s advisable to re-apply your sunscreen every two to three hours or once you sweat excessively or after a swimming session. Also, ensure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that keeps you safe against UVB and UVA rays. Furthermore, always apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 and above. Ensure that you apply your sunscreen to every part of your body that will receive sun exposure. Furthermore, you can wear ibkul sun protection attire to lessen the exposure of your body to the sun.

5. Not Washing Your Face Before Bed

You come back home exhausted at times, and you don’t remember to wash your face before bedtime. That’s a habit that can, in the end, increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Oil, dirt, and pollution particles often accumulate on your skin, leading to inflammation and breakouts. That’s why you need to use a soft cleanser with moisturizers, including botanical oils or glycerin, to keep your skin hydrated and free of dead skin buildup.

6. Consuming Products with Too Much Sugar

Diets with too much sugar and not enough water can fasten your body’s aging process. These products include ice cream, lollipops, pasta, and white bread. Thus, you should check on your eating habit to avoid items with too much sugar.

7. Scratching and Picking

Insect bites, skin rashes, and stress are the most prevalent reasons you might feel like scratching or picking your otherwise healthy skin. Scratching your skin, especially any suspicious-looking scabs, lesions, and moles, makes the nerves enlarge, making you feel like scratching it even further. In the end, prolonged picking and scratching can lead to skin damage which may cause the growth of cancerous cells. If you have a habit of picking your skin, consult a health professional for treatment to cease the habit.

8. Not Removing Your Makeup

Failure to properly clean the makeup off of your face is a bad habit that can increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Some makeup products contain substances that aren’t friendly to your skin if left on the face or body for long periods of time.

9. Using Unsafe Skin Care Products

Not all skincare items advertised and marketed are safe for your skin. Today, many brands produce poor-quality skincare products that might harm your skin, leading to the growth of cancerous cells.

10. Skipping Regular Skin Checkups

This happens to be the worst habit you can develop regarding your skin’s health. Visiting your dermatologist once every year for screening is an excellent way to avoid, detect, or treat any skin problem that arises.

Final Word

Ensuring your skin stays healthy should be one of your priorities to avoid complications, including skin cancer. Therefore, you should eliminate bad habits that can increase the risk of getting skin cancer.