Flexible Spending Account Sunscreen

May is known as National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month, and your Flexible Spending Account can help with early detection of this prevalent cancer type. Melanoma (or skin cancer) is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. affecting millions of people each year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Curious to learn more about skin cancer, and its prevention and detection? The American Academy of Dermatology offers some great tips on properly applying sunscreen, having someone screen your back for possible abnormalities, and early detection and prevention methods.

How can you reduce your risks for melanoma?

• Perform self checks by looking for abnormal moles or growths on your skin. If you spot something unusual, visit your doctor and ask more questions. You can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to visit the doctor. An FSA can cover the out-of-pocket costs including a co-pay or deductible for that visit.
• Visit a dermatologist. Dermatologists are covered by your Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and would be able to screen and treat your body to detect any abnormalities.
• Get skin cancer screenings. Use your FSA for these health screenings.

Flexible Spending Account Sunscreens and Sun Protection

• Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, ideally) and protective clothing/accessories like wide-brimmed hats. Proper sun care is important year-round, and important on a daily basis. Wear daily sunscreens to reduce your risks - even on cloudy or rainy days.
• Avoid sunburns whenever possible by limiting your direct exposure to the sun, and reduce your risk for melanoma by avoiding indoor tanning.
• If you're a parent, make sure your kids are sun safe (wearing sunscreens outdoors and wearing protective clothes and hats), and if you have babies, keep them out of direct sunlight and exposure. You can also shop for kids' sunscreen or baby sunscreens with your Flexible Spending Account.
• If you're going to the beach or know you'll be exposed to direct sunlight for a longer period of time (on a hike, visiting a lake, etc.), ask a family member, friend or partner for help in applying sunscreen. It's tough to apply sunscreen to your own back, which is the most common melanoma location on the body (according to the American Academy of Dermatology).

You can shop for Flexible Spending Account sunscreen at FSA Store.

Be sure to check our variety of sunscreens at FSAstore.com, and view other sun care products including sunscreen lip balms to stay sun safe this summer!