5 Strategies to Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk
Oct 20, 2025
When you think of skin protection, you probably think about wearing sunscreen during hot summer months to avoid getting a sunburn. But the truth is that protecting your skin isn’t just about sunburns, and it doesn’t stop when the seasons change.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, and it’s the most common type of cancer in the country. Your daily habits play a big role in your risk of developing it, and that means there’s a lot you can do to lower your skin cancer risk and keep your skin healthier for the long run.
The dermatologists at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center specialize in professional skin cancer screenings, pre-cancer treatment, and skin cancer treatment in Teaneck, New Jersey, and here are five strategies you can add to your routine to reduce your risk and catch problems early.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is your first line of defense against the sun and skin cancer.
Even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors by windows, UV radiation can damage your skin cells. Daily sunscreen creates a protective barrier that helps prevent DNA damage and reduces your risk of skin cancer. Plus, it supports better skin health by preventing premature aging.
UV rays are most intense between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and planning your day so that you’re in the shade during peak hours makes a difference. Go inside, use umbrellas, or find natural shade to help minimize direct exposure, lower cumulative sun damage and decrease your lifetime risk of sun-related skin changes.
When you find yourself in the sun, choose UV-blocking clothes and accessories like long-sleeved shirts with UPF protection, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Sun-protective clothing is a physical barrier against harmful UV rays, and it offers reliable coverage for areas that are easy to miss or difficult to reapply sunscreen to when you’re active.
Tanning beds expose your skin to concentrated UV radiation and significantly raise the risk of all skin cancers. Instead of tanning on the outside, get that “lit from within” glow by nourishing your skin with a diet rich in antioxidants from colorful fruits and vegetables. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E help your skin neutralize UV-induced damage that works hand in hand with external sun protection.
Along with these lifestyle changes, get in the habit of scheduling regular skin evaluations with an experienced dermatologist. Our team at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center uses advanced technology and expert analysis to detect suspicious spots, so we can recommend additional testing and ongoing guidance to protect your skin and prevent new damage.
If we find pre-cancerous lesions like actinic keratosis, personalized pre-cancer treatments — including cryotherapy, topical medications, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light (IPL) — can reduce the likelihood of those lesions developing into skin cancer.
We typically recommend getting an annual professional skin cancer screening, but your needs will vary based on your individual risk factors. Start by adding these practices into your daily routine and schedule a skin exam if:
Taking these steps today can make a meaningful difference in reducing your risk, and we’re here to guide you along the way. Contact us online or call us at 201-836-9696 to learn more.