Did you know skin cancer is the most common of all cancers? The fact is 90% of all skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to the sun.

The good news is there are many things you can do to decrease your exposure to the sun, and reduce the possibility for skin cancer.

American Hat Makers and Head’n Home is co-sponsoring “Hat Day in the Sun,” a national campaign created by the Headwear Association to promote skin cancer awareness on June 19th in Capitola from 1pm. They will be giving out 300 FREE hats!

Read more info about Hat Day in the Sun here.

Here are a few top tips to protect your skin that you can start today!

• WEAR A HAT! You can purchase an American made leather hat here.
• Seek out the shade between the hottest part of the day 10am-4pm
• Do not burn, and avoid tanning and UV tanning booths
• Wear lip balm with sunscreen everyday
• Cover up with clothing — breathable long-sleeved shirts and pants are best
• Wear large UV-blocking sunglasses
• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher even on foggy days
• For outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
• Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating
• Keep newborns out of the sun, and use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months
• Examine your skin each month from head to toe and make note of any abnormal growths or moles
• Schedule a yearly skin exam with your physician or dermatologists
• Keep sunscreen in the car – for long car trips
• Use extra sunscreen near water, snow, and sand – these surfaces reflect the intensity of UV rays
• Buy extra bottles of sunscreen and keep in gym bag, trunk, diaper bag and purse
• Lightly spray sunscreen in your hair or on head for extra protection

For more information or to buy UV-Protection Sun Hats, visit our Head’n Home Hat Store.

Have a safe and happy Summer!

Resources:
http://skincancerprevention.org/skin-cancer/prevention-tips
http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/prevention-guidelines
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/q—t/skin-cancer/tips