How to Practice Sun Safety During the Summer and All Year Round

In decades past, a suntan was considered a fashion statement, but that view has long since gone by the wayside. Direct sunlight, especially between the peak hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., is your skin鈥檚 worst enemy, says Dr. Barbara Ma, a medical oncologist and assistant professor of medicine at 麻豆传媒高清版.听

鈥淐ancers of the skin are strongly linked to exposure to the sun鈥檚 UV (ultraviolet) rays, so practicing sun safety is a must for people with all types of skin,鈥 she says. 鈥淭here is actually no such thing as a safe tan. Every time you tan or burn, you are damaging the DNA in your skin and increasing your risk of skin cancer. If you want to get the look of a tan, I鈥檇 suggest using a spray tan product鈥攂ut avoid tanning beds at all costs.鈥

Skin cancer basics

Your skin is your largest organ and the most vulnerable to cancer. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with melanoma the deadliest form.

Understanding UVA vs. UVB rays

UVB rays can damage the epidermis鈥攖he surface layers of your skin鈥攁long with specialized skin cells that produce melanin鈥攁 pigment that gives color to your hair, skin and eyes. UVA rays penetrate more deeply than UVB rays. Over time, they can lead to sagging and wrinkles. 鈥Think of A for aging and B for burning,鈥 says Dr. Ma. Exposure to both increases your skin cancer risk.鈥

Skin cancer risk factors

Risk factors for skin cancer include UV exposure, tanning bed use, a history of skin cancer and immunosuppression via medications taken to prevent rejection after a transplant or to treat autoimmune disease. Repeated sunburns increase your risk as well. 鈥淓ven one blistering sunburn during childhood doubles your risk of developing melanoma later in life,鈥 she says. 鈥淪kin damage also builds up over time. That is why people who work outdoors are at greater skin cancer risk than those who don鈥檛.鈥

The sun鈥檚 intensity varies by season and geographic location, but even on an overcast day, up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate the clouds, Dr. Ma explains. Snow and water reflect UV light as well. For these reasons, it is important to practice sun safety all year round by wearing protective clothing, seeking shade and using sunscreen.

Sunscreen FAQs

What SPF should I use?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using products containing SPF 30 or higher.

How often should I apply sunscreen?

It is important to reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours throughout the day. Apply it 30 minutes before going out into the sun to give it time to work. Apply it liberally, including behind your ears and on your neck. And don鈥檛 forget to reapply it after a swim or vigorous activity. Water-resistant sunscreen products also are available.

Does that apply to people with all types of skin?

All skin types need protection from UV rays. While fairer skin types tend to be at higher risk for skin cancer, even people with darker skin types can get a painful sunburn. Frequent reapplication is the most important method for preventing UV damage.

Are sunscreens 鈥渂ad鈥 for our skin?

The best sunscreen is the one you鈥檒l stick with. There are mineral sunscreens that sit on top of the skin and serve as a physical barrier to the sun鈥檚 rays. These often contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide that leave a white layer. There are also chemical sunscreens that protect the skin by absorbing the sun鈥檚 rays, but they do not wash off as easily as the mineral variety. Sunscreens also come in spray, gel, cream or stick form.

Some ingredients in chemical sunscreens have been cause for concern: oxybenzone, for example, which may have hormonal properties. However, the data thus far have been inconclusive. As well, there were reports in the media recently about some sunscreens being contaminated with benzene鈥攁 carcinogen鈥攁nd these were recalled out of an abundance of caution.听

Still, there is no strong evidence that sunscreen harms our health, and plenty of research supports its effectiveness in preventing skin cancer.听听

In addition to using sunscreen, what else can I do to protect myself from sun damage?

  • Wear sunglasses.
  • Wear hats.
  • Cover up.
  • Seek shade.
  • Avoid tanning beds.

Do infants and children require special protection?

Every child needs sun protection, Dr. Ma says. Use sunscreen for all children over 6 months old. Choose a 鈥渂aby sunscreen鈥 or a product formulated for sensitive skin. Keep those younger than 6 months out of the sun altogether.听

How to conduct a self-skin exam

Dr. Ma advises regular self-exams. Look for any of the following:

  • Any mole or other skin lesion with an irregular border or one that appears to have changed shape or color
  • A sore or bump that refuses to heal or that bleeds persistently
  • Any new mole, mark or lesion

鈥淪kin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,鈥 she says. 鈥淧racticing sun safety and being vigilant in monitoring changes in your skin will help keep most cancers at bay鈥攅ven the most dangerous types. In other words, protect the skin you鈥檙e in!鈥

To speak with a provider about your skin care needs, please visit /doctors.

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