Source: Orlando Dermatology & Skin Cancer Surgery Center
It’s summertime, and you are taking advantage of the wonderful weather. While you are hitting the beaches and enjoying the fresh air, don’t forget to take care of your health! It is very important to protect yourself from the Sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays while you have fun. Spending a few minutes applying sunscreen and implementing other protective measures can prevent the development of health conditions such as skin cancer and cataracts.
According to the Skin Care Foundation, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation reaches the earth even during cloudy weather conditions [1]. UV radiation can cause damage to the skin and eyes: sunburns, premature aging of the skin in the form of wrinkles and liver spots, inflamed cornea, and even cataracts [2]. Both the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) deem solar radiation and UV radiation as carcinogenic (cancer-causing) [2]. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with about one in five people developing skin cancer in their lifetime [3]. Skin cancer is a threat to everyone, regardless of skin color.
To protect your skin, wear sunscreen with an appropriate sun protection factor (SPF) and make careful choices about attire and accessories. The CDC recommends wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects from UVA and UVB rays) that has an SPF of 15 or higher [4]. Apply the sunscreen to all exposed skin (don’t forget your ears, back of your neck, or your lips), and reapply every two hours. Sunscreen should be worn every day, even in the winter! To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses. A hat is a great way to shield yourself from the sun, and longer clothing reduces the amount of exposed skin.
Performing a skin self-exam is a good way to monitor any abnormal skin developments. Using a mirror, check all of your skin. The American Cancer Society outlines the proper steps [5]. First, start by standing in front of a mirror and checking the front of your body (face, chest, arms, armpits, hands). Then, sit down and check your legs and back, using a mirror to see more difficult areas. Finally, finish by examining your scalp by parting your hair. If you have any concerns about your skin, do not be afraid to share them with your medical provider. Do your best to guard your body’s largest organ from UV radiation.