During the spring and summer, there is nothing better than a relaxing afternoon spent outside enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. As most of us know though, sun exposure can be harmful to our body. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer within their lifetime. It’s important to take sun protection best practices seriously, which is more than using sunscreen and includes skin cancer screenings.
What are the benefits and dangers of sun exposure?
The sun is the star at the center of the solar system with a surface temperature of 9,941°F. No wonder we can feel the warm rays of the sun almost 100 million miles away! Spending a day in the sun’s rays makes us feel good physically and mentally, and even provides us with Vitamin D. However, the sun is not the only source of Vitamin D that it once was as foods are now fortified with Vitamin D.
The most immediate danger of sun exposure is a sunburn, which is caused by the sun’s UV rays. It’s not only painful, but the cells and blood vessels of skin are damaged from a sunburn. Repeated sun damage causes skin to appear leathery and worn, dry and discolored. Skin also becomes thin, making it more susceptible to bruising.
Skin cancer is the most serious threat from sun exposure. Dermatologists agree that most skin cancers can be avoided by preventing sun damage.
What sun protection steps can I take to avoid the harmful effects of the sun?
The best way to protect yourself against sun damage is to stay out of the sun. But, most of us enjoy going outdoors regularly, especially in the summer months. We recognize that is an important part of staying happy and healthy. When you go outside, use these sun protection safety tips:
- Wear sunscreen when you will be exposed for more than 20-30 minutes. Don’t skip it even if it is cloudy or you are going outside for only an hour.
- Avoid sun in the middle of the day from 10am to 3pm when UV rays are the strongest.
- Wear protective clothing, which includes long sleeves, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Sun and UV protective clothing is becoming more popular and is great choice for any outdoor enthusiast.
- Don’t forget about your eyes! Wear sunglasses that filter UV light and are polarized.
What type of sunscreen should I use?
Every sunscreen has an SPF number that stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF tells you how well the product will protect you from UVB rays, aka the burning rays of the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen which protects against both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 30 or higher. If you’ve had skin cancer or precancer, use a sunscreen with a higher SPF.
Who should use sunscreen?
In short: everyone who is exposed to the sun. Sunscreen is safe to use for anyone over the age of 6 months, so don’t forget about those little tykes! Your age, gender, ethnicity, or the fact that you do not burn in the sun does not matter to the sun. Your skin can still be damaged even if it isn’t red after exposure. Protection from sunburn is not the aim here, but reducing damage from sun exposure is. Sunburn is an immediate reaction, but damage from the sun occurs over a lifetime.
If you have sensitive skin, don’t skip the sunscreen! While most sunscreens contain ingredients that may irritate your skin, a quick Google search reveals there are plenty of sunscreens suitable for sensitive skin. Your dermatologist can also recommend a sunscreen for sensitive skin.
When and where should I apply sunscreen?
Apply sunscreen liberally and evenly about 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and before putting on your clothes or swimsuit. Smooth it over your skin rather than rubbing it in. Don’t skimp! As a general rule, a shot glass of sunscreen should be used on the body and a teaspoon should be used on the face. Sunscreen should be applied to all parts of your body, including your neck, ears, nose, hands, toes, and eyelids. The smaller body parts are easy to forget, but are especially painful when sunburned. Use an SPF 30 lip balm on your lips for adequate protection.
If you are wearing makeup that has SPF, don’t rely solely on it! Be sure to apply an even layer of sunscreen under your makeup. The makeup will be additional, not primary, coverage.
If you are inside around a lot of windows or driving on a sunny day, apply sunscreen. You can still be exposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day when inside, especially when you are near windows that generally do not filter the sun’s rays.
Don’t forget that skin damage from sun exposure can still occur in other seasons outside of summer. Always be sure to have a fresh bottle of sunscreen on hand!
How often should I apply sunscreen?
In order for sunscreen to work effectively, reapply it every two hours, even if it is labeled as an all-day product. If you take a dip in the pool or perspire, reapply sunscreen more frequently. Be sure to towel off first as moisture makes sunscreen less effective.
What should I do if I suspect my skin is damaged from the sun?
Sun protection is a crucial step to a healthy lifestyle and preventing skin cancer, but being an advocate for your health is equally important. Most skin cancers are not only highly treatable, but curable, if caught early and addressed properly. Just as you take a daily vitamin or brush your teeth twice a day, be sure to perform monthly at-home self-skin exams for early detection against skin cancer. If you are suspicious of a discoloration, mole, or lesion on your skin, contact our Pittsburgh dermatology offices today to schedule an appointment and in-office exam or skin cancer screening with our highly trained, board-certified dermatologists.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates is committed to providing outstanding patient care through continued education and serving the communities where we live and work. This includes offering the best treatments for sun damaged skin, including Photodynamic Therapy for sun damage.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. To stay up to date on this research and the latest dermatology news, follow us on Facebook!