Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and accounts for almost half of all reported cases. As exposure to UV rays has been linked to basal and squamous cell carcinomas, as well as the more serious melanomas, one of the major prevention tactics for these cancers is avoiding excessive time in the sun. However, as summertime rolls around and families take to the outdoors to enjoy the wonderful weather or participate in watersports, the necessary steps to prevent damage often get neglected. This summer, Dr. Lindsay Sewell, Dr. Brandon Miner, Dr. Lena Gowring, and Joseph Anderson PA-C and High Valley Dermatology asks that you take just a little time out of play time to avoid the serious side effects of UV ray exposure.
Our top tips for Summertime Skin damage Prevention are:
- Stay out of direct sun!
- Stay covered up!
- Use sunscreen and reapply!
- Avoid tanning beds
- Avoid tanning in general
Staying Out of Direct Sunlight
While basking in the sun may feel great in the moment, it is best to avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. The sun gives off harmful UV rays that cause irreversible damage to your skin. This damage can build up over time and lead to damaged skin cells, wrinkles, and skin cancers previously mentioned.
One of the first things you should be on the lookout when considering skin cancer prevention is to determine a source of shade. If you can be in a shaded area whether that be under an awning, a tree, or an umbrella it will help block the harmful rays that can cause cancer and other skin damage. Sometimes finding the shade can be difficult if you are at a sports event or in an area without a lot of trees but planning ahead can help protect you from excessive exposure.
Cover Up With Sun Protective Clothing
Wearing the right clothes is a great way to prevent skin cancer. There have been a lot of recent developments when it comes to UV protective clothing. Similar to UV protective sunglasses, the new clothes that have been coming out a great for protecting your skin. Even if you don’t purchase those new clothing items, wearing clothes that cover your skin will still do a lot to protect you from sun exposure. We know it is hot out in the summer, but long pants, loose long-sleeve shirts, a wide-brimmed hat and UV protective sunglasses.
Use Sunscreen and Reapply Often
Using sunscreen is crucial for skin cancer prevention. There is always going to be times when you are on the beach, swimming, or participating in other summer activities where you will undoubtedly be subject to the suns rays. This does not mean that you should go unprotected. Applying sunscreen before you go outside will protect your skin.
Putting sunscreen on once may not do the job. If you are out in the sun for a while it is important that you reapply sunscreen. If you are swimming or doing things that will cause the sunscreen to wear off you should make sure you reapply every 40 to 60 minutes. You should always use sunscreen that is strong enough. We recommend that you never use sunscreen that is below 30 SPF.
Avoiding Tanning Beds
We know that being tan is a popular aspiration in today’s culture but not everything that is popular is good for you. If you are trying to tan from a tanning bed you are only subjecting yourself to an increased risk in skin cancers. There isn’t a single health benefit from using a tanning bed. Getting a base tan to prevent damage caused by the sun is a common reason why people will use a tanning bed, but a tan won’t protect you from continued damage. Skin damage from UV will continue to compound with each continued exposure.
Prevent Skin Tanning
One thing we tell our patients is that no tan is a safe tan. Whether the tan is from a tanning bed or from sunlight it means that the skin has been damaged. You should not seek out getting a tan and try to protect your skin as much as possible. There are other concerns besides skin cancer. There is also premature aging, sun spots and hyperpigmentation, and actinic keratosis. While the sun can provide necessary vitamin D, you can get that from the right foods and avoid the negative impacts of sun exposure.
Conclusion
In the Summertime, it can be difficult to avoid Skin Cancer risks. What do you do when it is too late for Prevention? It is never too late to prevent sun damage. If you already have sun damage early skin cancer detection is key. Our providers at High Valley Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery specialize in early detection and treatment of skin cancer. Always prioritize your skin health
