by RYAN MILEJCZAK
Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care
It’s summertime, and you’re probably already planning to spend some time outside. But while you’re out having fun, don’t forget to keep your skin protected from the sun.
Not only does practicing sun safety keep you from getting a sunburn, but it also guards your skin against the UV rays that can cause premature aging.
“A lot of people think something like, well, I only get sunburnt every now and then, so it’s fine. But it’s not the one burn, it’s the cumulative exposure that causes wrinkles and fine lines, age spots, and thickening of the skin,” explains Central Florida Health Care’s Christy Merrick, DNP, APRN.
More importantly, sun safety is essential for protecting yourself against the most common form of cancer: skin cancer. But, while skin cancer is common, there is some good news.
“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers,” Merrick explains.
There are three main tools to help protect your skin from the sun: sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and shade.
“Sunscreen should be a part of your daily skincare routine,” she says, even on overcast days.
The same is true even if your only sun exposure comes from sitting near a window. You should apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 daily, and an SPF 30 sunscreen is even better. But that isn’t the only step.
“One of the most common sun safety mistakes people make is not reapplying sunscreen,” Merrick says. “Another is not using sunscreen on overcast days; many will skip sunscreen on a cloudy day thinking it’s safe, but it’s not. We still get UVB exposure on overcast days.”
She notes that spray sunscreen tends to be less effective, but rubbing it in will help improve the coverage and protection.
“Patients always ask me, ‘What’s your favorite sunscreen?’ And my answer is, ‘The one that you’ll wear!’ ” she says.
UPF Clothing
Clothing is another great way to protect your skin from the sun. But not all clothing is equal in this regard.
“If you’re wearing a white T-shirt while doing yard work and sweating, that shirt only provides about SPF 4 or so of protection,” Merrick says.
Instead, look for clothing that’s designed for sun protection, often called “UPF clothing,” with a rating similar to the SPF of sunscreen.
“Sun protective clothing doesn’t wear off, so it’s a great option for people who hate wearing sunscreen all over their body,” Merrick says.
In addition to clothing, accessories like wide-brimmed hats and glasses also can help protect you from the sun.
“People do get eye damage from the sun, so good UVB/UVA protective sunglasses are important,” she says.
However, clothing isn’t a replacement for sunscreen; for areas you can’t cover up, like the face, you should still apply sunscreen regularly.
Shade
Rounding out your sun protection toolkit is shade. While you can of course take refuge in the shade of a tree or awning, you can also bring shade with you with a parasol or umbrella.
“Regular umbrellas don’t protect you much, but it’s better than nothing, much like with clothes,” explains Merrick. “But they also make UPF umbrellas that have a thicker material that gives you 100% protection.”
Regular screenings are an important part of early detection and prevention. Prioritize annual skin checks with your dermatologist, or more often if you have a family history of skin cancer. While redheads and people with fair skin face a higher risk, skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color.
While staying protected is important, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors this summer; you just have to be prepared.
“We don’t have to avoid the sun,” Merrick says. “We just need to be prepared and make sure we’re planning ahead. That’s the key: seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.”