Sun Safety
We are getting closer to those elusive summer months, longer days, blooming flowers, and lots of SUNSHINE! We can all agree that there is no better feeling than basking in the summer sun but even small amounts of time outside can be dangerous without the proper protection. On average, 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer before age 70, but there are precautions you can take to help you avoid falling into that group.
The suns strongest UV rays are between the hours of 10am-4pm. These are prime pool time hours so what can we do to protect ourselves and still have fun in the sun? Your first line of defense is to frequently apply sunscreen. Not all sunscreen is created equal, and you may have to try a few before you find one that works best for your family. There are lots to choose from, the standard moisturizer, sports spray, or a sunscreen stick, and the type isn’t as important as frequent reapplication and the SPF.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, that number next to the SPF tells you how long it’ll take for your skin to start turning red while wearing that sunscreen versus how long it would take if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. In other words, if you use SPF 30 and apply it exactly as the products directions tell you to, it would take 30 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen.
That goes for spending time in the shade, too. Taking refuge under a tree doesn’t offer complete protection, and even on sunporches or shaded patios, the sun’s rays can reflect off glass or concrete. It’s recommended that you wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on a daily basis, and increasing the SPF if you’re going to be outside for longer periods of time.
You should also consider what you are going to wear when the UV rays are the strongest. Swimwear with long sleeves will add a layer of protection and because of the swimsuit material you will avoid overheating. A wide-brimmed hat to shield your entire face, as well as the back of your neck, and sunglasses to protect your eyes are also recommended.
While no method is perfect, remaining vigilant is key to protecting yourself and your family. Most importantly skin cancer is highly treatable when it’s caught early. Conduct monthly skin exams on yourself and your family to look for suspicious areas on your body and don’t forget to even examine between your toes! The American Academy of Dermatology Association has a helpful section on their website on how to perform a skin self-exam and you can find it here.