Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. You can have fun in the sun and Be Sun Smart. Here’s some good ideas that you need to follow:
- Generously apply a water resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible. Remember, there are new clothing lines available that have great ability to block the sun. Look for clothes that have Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) which is a measure of the percentage of ultraviolet sunlight that reaches your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a rating of UPF 30 or higher.
- Made in the shade — Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, look for some shade!
- Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Protect children from sun exposure by wearing wide-brimmed hats, applying sunscreen and/or dressing them in wetsuits when playing in ocean, pools, or lakes.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you still want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product (which have been improving over the years), but remember to continue to use sunscreen with it.
- Get a skin exam. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early. In fact, do yourself and your family a favor and make an appointment today to see your dermatologist and have a full body skin exam. It’s a very simple procedure that could save your life.