Skin cancer is a scary thing. Many people don't give it a second thought, going about their day blissfully unaware of the damage that can be caused by prolonged, unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun. But, once skin cancer has developed, it is very important to protect yourself from any future problems. Some proactive steps can help to reduce your chance of getting it again after you have beaten it the first time!

Wear Sun Block Each Day

Sunscreen is a great way to protect your exposed skin from UV radiation and can be purchased as a lotion or spray. Unless you plan to put on a lot of makeup, avoid relying upon the SPF in some makeups as it doesn't provide the protection that you need. Instead, put on a base layer of sunscreen before you apply your makeup.

Also, make sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you expect to be out in the sun. It is a good idea to use at least SPF 30 and choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant.

Pick the Right Clothes

Just because you are wearing clothes that cover your body doesn't mean that you are protected. Clothes with a loose weave that you can see through don't block UV radiation. Look for clothes that have a tight weave to block as much radiation as possible. Consider getting clothes that have UV protection built into the fabric for added protection.

Don't Expect Skin Cancer to Come Back in the Same Place

Perform regular skin checks on your body. If you have had skin cancer already, you are 60 percent more likely to have skin cancer again within a ten-year period. Don't limit your checks to where you have already had skin cancer removed — it can develop just as easily on other parts of your body.

Schedule regular visits with your dermatologist to check for any abnormalities. A good dermatologist can treat pre-cancerous skin cells early before they have a chance to develop into something worse.

Consider Repairing Sun-damaged Skin

There are a number of methods now available to treat sun-damaged skin that can reduce your chance of having new skin cancers. These can be as simple as topical ointments to address pre-cancerous spots.

Other, more aggressive preventive treatments include laser resurfacing to smooth skin and destroy pre-cancerous cells. The laser treatment removes unhealthy cells and allows new, healthier cells to form.

Taking care of your skin after skin cancer can dramatically reduce your chance of a future occurrence. Often, simple measures and common sense, and a little preparation ahead of time, can make it so you can protect your skin and still do what you love to do. Look online at sites like http://swoncology.net/ to find places that offer skin cancer treatments and who can answer any questions you have.