Shining Light on Sun Safety

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. The beautiful weather and long summer days bring people out to enjoy the parks, pools and beaches and provide a great opportunity to get fit and stay healthy. The summer sun brightens up everyone’s day, but it does come with some risks. So, everyone should take care to protect themselves before they go outdoors.

UV rays from the sun are the primary cause of skin cancer. Exposure to the sun’s UV radiation causes 65 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Spending too much time in the sun and the heat can also lead to sunburns, dehydration and heatstroke.

None of that means that people need to avoid enjoying the sun, but it is essential that people of all ages and skin types fully protect their skin. Incidental sun exposure is accumulated every day—even on cloudy and cooler days. Dermatologists recommend applying one ounce of broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on all exposed areas of the face, neck and body and to reapply it every two hours. In addition, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and cool.

Clothing can also provide crucial sun protection. Wide-brimmed hats provide shade to your eyes and help protect your face and neck. Certain kinds of clothing also have a “UPF” rating, similar to an SPF rating for sunscreen. These articles of clothing provide more protection than regular clothing, which often lets plenty of UV rays through. If you do wear thinner or more breathable clothing, be sure to put sunscreen on underneath it. Protective sunglasses are also important to wear daily.

Swimming can be a great way to cool off on a hot day, but it carries its own special risks. Even when using a waterproof sunscreen, remember to reapply often. Swimming can increase your sun exposure while decreasing protection. Water can wash away sunscreen, and the reflection of the sun on the water causes one to be even more susceptible to sun damage.

Many people go out to swim, tan or exercise with suntan oils or lotions but no sunscreen. Suntan products do not offer adequate sun protection and in some cases can even accelerate skin damage. There is no such thing as a safe tan, and the tan itself is actually a sign of skin damage. Regular use of a tanning bed can increase the risk of melanoma by up to 75 percent.

In addition to skin cancer, the sun can also cause rashes, burns and signs of premature aging. Sun exposure is responsible for up to 90% of the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkled skin and sun spots. The types of rashes vary widely, so if you see a worrisome rash or burn, mention it to your dermatologist.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer, so remembering these simple tips can help prevent you from developing the disease or feeling the other harsh effects of sun overexposure. As you go out to have fun in the sun, be sure to protect yourself.

Press release courtesy of Good Shephard Hospital.