Sun Safety

With winter finally over most of us are ready to enjoy the sun and soak up some Vitamin D. Not so fast! It’s important to understand the basics of sun safety. The skin is the body’s largest organ and requires care and protection to maintain its health. A bronze glow today can cause problems down the road. Over time, sun exposure leads to wrinkles, sun spots, leathery skin, and premature aging, with the most dangerous consequence being skin cancer. Tanning is the skin’s natural reaction to UV radiation and is a way to protect the skin from burning, but tanning is still considered sun damage. There are many ways to add a beautiful glow to your skin while still protecting it from sun damage. Exposure to the sun can cause both skin cancer and aging, so keep your skin fair and wrinkle free. Safe alternatives to tanning include sunless tans that can come in the form of lotions, towelettes, sprays, or airbrushing at a salon. They are often made of vegetable dyes that are absorbed into the skin to provide a tint. It’s important to remember that sunless tanners do not contain SPF and do not provide protection from the sun, as many believe base tans do. Although base tans provide some protection, a tan is visible proof that the skin is damaged. Therefore, if you plan to go on a tropical vacation or cruise it is not beneficial to acquire a base tan before leaving. The only safe tan is one that comes from a bottle! 

A person’s risk of skin cancer is correlated to their lifetime exposure to the sun. Skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (the sun) and is the most common cancer in the United States. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells and can spread to other tissues and organs if it goes undetected. There are 3 types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma; with melanoma being the most dangerous. The differences between the skin cancers evolve from the different types of cells that make up the outer layer of the skin.

The good news is that there are many prevention strategies to reduce your risk for skin cancer:

-          Protect your skin from the sun when it is at its strongest – between 10 am and 4 pm. If you are at the pool or on the beach, remember that sand and water reflect 85% of the sun’s rays and increase your exposure. Also note that UV rays penetrate clouds, so sun safety is just as important on cloudy days.

-          Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts and pants, as well as wide brim hats

-          Wear sunglasses. Fashion may be important, but not more than you eye sight. Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% UV rays (look at tag when picking out a new pair). You want a pair that has a uniform tint, not one that varies from top to bottom. How to pick out sunglasses 

-          Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, regardless of skin tone or color. Apply half an hour before sun exposure and reapply every two hours. Consider applying more frequently if you are sweating or swimming. When choosing a sunscreen look for broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and avoid using tanning oils. And remember, if you are applying sunscreen on your children, it is also necessary to put it on yourself! Visit Learn more about sunscreen to learn more about sunscreen.

-          Seek shade. Bring an umbrella or beach tent when spending long days at the beach. If you choose to sit under shade for the whole day, sunscreen is still essential since UV rays are reflected off the sand and water.

-          Remember that some UV rays can penetrate window glass, so risk to exposure remains when you are driving in your car with the windows up. Although some rays get in, some rays do not, so keep your windows up and your sun roof closed during mid-day sun.

-          Apply sunscreen during winter months, as well, especially if you travel to higher altitudes. UV radiation exists regardless of temperature, so if you plan to ski next winter, be sure to apply sunscreen. Snow also reflects 85% of the sun’s rays, so you could potentially be exposed double the amount.

-          Perform a skin exam on yourself. Check over your whole body on a monthly basis so you begin to notice what is normal for your skin and can recognize abnormalities early. Ask a friend or loved one to check your hard-to-see places like your scalp and back and return the favor.

-          Ask your healthcare provider to perform a skin exam each year at your annual physical or visit a dermatologist if you have many skin irregularities.

Fortunately, there are many signs and symptoms to identify skin cancer. An easy way to remember what to look for is to remember your ABCDE’s.

Asymmetry: when one half of the affected area or mole does not look like the other half

  Border irregularity: when the border is notched or blurred

Color:  when the color is not consistent; the area may vary in shades of tan, brown, or black or may contain colors like white, red, or blue

 Diameter: when the area or mole is larger than 6 mm, which is about the size of a pencil eraser

Evolving: when it grows or changes over time or a new growth that bleeds or will not heal

While skin cancer can develop in anyone, the following factors can increase your risk:

-  Light-colored skin, hair, and eyes (darker skin provides slightly more protection than lighter skin, however, prolonged exposure to the sun has the same effect)

-  Family history of melanoma

-  Being over age 40 (although skin cancer is becoming more common in younger adults)

-  Sun exposure and sunburn (or any type of UV radiation, including tanning beds/lamps)

Before spending time outdoors, check the UV index for your zip code on EPA’s SunWise Program website. The UV index indicates the strength of UV radiation specifically for the present day and place. It can help you to practice sun safety on the days you need it most.

While you may not have a cinnamon tan at the end of summer, you will have younger-looking, healthier skin that will remain attractive for years to come, as well as a reduced risk for skin cancer. Dr. Oz supports eating plenty of tomatos this summer as the lycopene helps to build up your body's antioxidant system that prevents the sun from destroying essential vitamins in our bodies. It can also help prevent wrinkles by keeping your elastic skin tissues from losing their tenseness. Please feel free to post comments or questions in the comment section below.