Sun safety matters every single day, not just on sunny beach days. The sun gives us warmth and light, but its rays can hurt our skin and sometimes cause skin problems or cancer. Dr. Jeremy Greer, a dermatologist with Prisma Health Dermatology-Springbrook, reminds us that wearing sunscreen and protective clothes is the best way to keep our skin safe. Sunscreen helps stop skin cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will get skin cancer by age 70.
Even when it is cloudy, most of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays still can reach your skin. Up to 80 percent of those rays still pass through the clouds. These rays can cause wrinkles, sunspots and cancer. That is why cloudy days or shade alone is not enough protection.
Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher cuts your risk of hard-to-treat melanoma by half. But sunscreen only works when it is applied correctly. “For a thorough application of sunscreen prior to spending a day outside or at the beach, lake or pool, about a shot glass (30mL) full of sunscreen should be used to cover all exposed areas,” Greer explained. That’s enough to cover your arms, legs, face and ears. Ears are one of the areas most missed when applying sunscreen.
Most people think that one application will last all day, but that isn’t the case. “Many of my patients think that a one-time application of sunscreen in the morning is enough to last the whole day, but most sunscreens wear off after about 80-90 minutes, and even less if you are sweating or swimming. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 90 minutes to maintain adequate sun protection,” Greer said. An easy rule is to reapply every hour and a half, even if you are in the shade, to be sure you are protected.
Even with good sun safety practices, it is possible for new or changing skin spots to appear. “Even if you follow all the rules of UV safety, it is still possible for skin lesions to develop. Any new or changing area of skin that gives you even mild concern should be evaluated by a dermatologist,” Greer reminded. Regular skin screenings are important even if you don’t see anything concerning.
Clothing also can help protect you from sun damage. Hats with wide brims, long sleeves and UV-blocking sunglasses are all gentle ways to keep UV rays away from your skin. There are companies that make UV-blocking clothing and swimsuits to help address skin safety and help provide protection on top of the sunscreen you apply. When you can, staying in the shade between mid-morning and late afternoon also adds extra protection.
To be safe while in the sun and keep your skin healthy and strong, it is recommended to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. Wear protective clothes and a hat, if possible. Reapply sunscreen often, especially if you are sweating or swimming. Check your skin regularly for changes, and see a dermatologist for skin screenings when recommended.
For more information or to schedule a skin cancer screening, call Prisma Health Dermatology-Springbrook at 865-238-6450.
