Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans during their lifetime.
Just one sunburn in childhood or adolescence is enough to double the chance of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life. However, most cases of skin cancer can be prevented by protecting the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. The best way to do this is to find shade, wear protective clothing, and apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
It is especially important to seek shade in the summer during the peak of the sun, when the sun's rays are most intense. The saying with the time of day is: "Stay under a tree from 11:00 to 15:00." If you would like to request a shadow during the standard hours of 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
In addition to seeking shade, using sunscreen goes a long way in protecting you from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can increase your risk of skin cancer. However, not all clothing is created equal when it comes to sun protection, as some clothing provides better UV protection than others. The key is to look for dense fabrics and dark or bright colors and pair them with the right accessories.
What should you wear to protect your skin from the sun?
Light shirts and pants with long sleeves. It's important to cover as much skin as possible when you're outside. When choosing dresses, avoid loose or revealing fabrics, such as lace. Dark colors also provide more protection than light colors. For example, a long-sleeved denim shirt provides an SPF of about 1,700, while a white shirt provides an SPF of about 7. Also, if you're at the beach or pool, keep in mind that dry clothing provides better sun protection than wet clothing . For the most effective sun protection, choose clothing with a UV Protection Factor (UPF) number on the label.
Sunglasses with UV protection. Sunglasses are an important part of your sunwear and also help prevent cataracts. When shopping for sunglasses, always look for lenses that offer UV protection. Lenses that appear dark do not necessarily provide UV protection, so be sure to read the label before purchasing. Also, wide-rimmed or round sunglasses offer better sun protection than, say, aviators, so keep that in mind when choosing your sunglasses.
Wide-brimmed hat. A cap is a simple and effective way to cover your face and neck. When choosing a hat, choose a wide-brimmed hat that will protect not only your ears, but also your head and neck. Avoid baseball caps or straw hats with holes, as they do not protect you outside.
Shoes that cover the feet. However, if you wear sandals or flip-flops or go barefoot, be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.
In addition to shade and wearing protective clothing from the sun, it's important to apply a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to any skin not covered by clothing. A recent study by the American Academy of Dermatology found that 65% of people say they often forget to reapply sunscreen, leaving people exposed to the sun's dangerous UV rays. For example, the AAD found that only about a third of Americans apply sunscreen every two hours while outside. Because sunscreen wears off, improper use can leave you exposed and vulnerable to skin cancer.
Five common sunscreen mistakes and how to avoid them
Ignore tag. There is a wide variety of sunscreens on the market. For effective sun protection, the AAD recommends looking for water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Not used much. Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. However, to cover the entire body, most adults need about an ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a glass. Apply enough sunscreen to cover all skin not covered by clothing. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours outside or after swimming or sweating.
Use only in sunny weather. Alarmingly, the AAD found that only about 20% of Americans use sunscreen on cloudy days. However, the sun emits harmful UV rays all year round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UVB rays can penetrate the skin. To protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer, apply sunscreen every time you go outside, even on cloudy days.
using an old bottle. The FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least three years. Throw away sunscreen if it has expired or you are not sure how long you can use it. In the future, if you buy sunscreen without an expiration date, write the purchase date directly on the bottle so you know when to throw it away.
Just rely on sunscreen. Since no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's UV rays, it's also important to seek shade and wear sun-protective clothing, including a light, long-sleeved shirt and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses when possible. For the most effective protection from the sun, choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.
Sunscreen is the most important skin care product you can use because it helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging, including wrinkles and age spots. However, to ensure the best protection for you and your family, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
To keep your child safe outside
It's important that parents do everything they can to protect their children from the sun's harmful UV rays and teach them healthy sun protection habits from an early age.
Keep the child in the shade. The shade is the best way to protect your child from the sun, especially if he is less than six months old. Keep your baby in the shade as much as possible, and if you can't find shade, make it yourself with an umbrella, canopy or stroller cover.
Dress your child in clothing that protects him from the sun, such as a shirt and light pants with long sleeves. Also, make sure your child always wears a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Limit the use of sunscreen for children under six months of age. However, if shade and appropriate clothing are not available, parents and caregivers can at least apply a broad-spectrum waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to their children's skin. Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are less likely to irritate a child's sensitive skin. Remember to apply sunscreen to your baby every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, as no sunscreen is truly "waterproof."
Take care on hot days. In addition to sunscreen, stay safe on hot days by making sure your child doesn't overheat and drinking plenty of fluids. If your baby is cranky, cries a lot, or has a rash on exposed skin, take him home right away.
Sunscreen is important at every stage of life, including childhood. Always protect yourself and your family from the sun.
The content of this article was obtained from the American Academy of Dermatology website at aad.org. The charts in this article are from the University of California (https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/ultimate-guide-staying-safe-sun).
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