Sun Safety this Summer

While enjoying the sunny summer days, remember the importance of protecting your skin. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your skin in as little as 15 minutes. It is important to use SPF 15 and higher, wear sunglasses and a hat to help shade your face, ears and neck, seek shady areas to escape the powerful sun, and avoid tanning beds.           

It is important to apply a thick layer of sunscreen before you go outdoors, even on cloudy days. According to the CDC, most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor.

Any change in skin color is a result of UV damage. Tanned skin is damaged skin, and often times discolor can take up to 12 hours to appear. UV rays from tanning beds are as dangerous as rays from the sun, so avoid tanning beds at all costs.  

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and anyone is at risk. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are two common types of skin cancer and are highly curable. Melanoma is the third most common type which is much more dangerous. Some risk factors of skin cancer are; having lighter hair color, personal history of skin cancer, family history of melanoma, exposure of sun through work and play, sunburns early in life, having blue or green eyes, skin that freckles or burns easily, and having naturally blonde or red hair.            

Take precautions daily in order to reduce the amount of damage to your skin. UV rays are strongest from 10 a.m. thru 4 p.m. so be especially aware during these hours. UV rays are still damaging on cloudy days and may reflect off water, sand, cement, and snow.           

The majority of sun exposure occurs during childhood and early adult hood so it is important to take care of your skin at early ages. You may still enjoy the sunny outdoors but keep in mind sun safety tips in order to protect yourself from dangerous skin damage. For more information on skin cancer and sun safety tips visit http://www.cdc.gov/features/SkinCancer/.