Now that the
weather has warmed and the sun is shining people tend to spend more time
outside. But before you bask in the glory of the sun, here are some things to
think about to keep your skin safe.
weather has warmed and the sun is shining people tend to spend more time
outside. But before you bask in the glory of the sun, here are some things to
think about to keep your skin safe.
Did you know?
On average it
takes just 15 minutes of unprotected time in the sun to cause a sunburn.
takes just 15 minutes of unprotected time in the sun to cause a sunburn.
Facts about
skin cancer:
skin cancer:
- Melanoma, the
deadliest form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer for 25 to 29 year olds
and the second most common cancer for 15 to 29 year olds. - Melanoma is
increasing faster in females 15 to 29 years old than males in the same age
group. In females 15 to 29 years old, the torso/trunk is the most common
location for developing melanoma, which may be the result of high-risk tanning
behaviors. - Exposure to
tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma, especially in women aged 45 years
or younger.
What to look
for in a sunscreen:
for in a sunscreen:
- SPF 30 or
higher - Broad
spectrum protection (UVA/UVB) - Water
resistant
Sunscreens
containing all the above have been shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer,
sunburn, premature skin aging, precancerous skin growths, and dark spots1. Once you have
found your sunscreen, make sure you are applying it correctly. Always reapply
sunscreen every 2 hours when you are outside, even on cloudy days!
Is my
sunscreen from last year still good?
sunscreen from last year still good?
The FDA
requires that sunscreen last for 3 years. Some sunscreens have a printed
expiration date on the bottle. If your bottle does not have an expiration date,
and you are not sure if it was from last year or longer, check for visible
signs1. If a sunscreen has a change in color or consistency are
signs that it’s time to buy a new one.
requires that sunscreen last for 3 years. Some sunscreens have a printed
expiration date on the bottle. If your bottle does not have an expiration date,
and you are not sure if it was from last year or longer, check for visible
signs1. If a sunscreen has a change in color or consistency are
signs that it’s time to buy a new one.
While
sunscreen is the most commonly used skin protectant, some clothing brands offer
special clothes with higher SPF protection. Hats can keep the sun off of your
face, wide brimmed hats are suggested better for use over baseball caps as they
cover the back of the neck and the ears as well as the face.
sunscreen is the most commonly used skin protectant, some clothing brands offer
special clothes with higher SPF protection. Hats can keep the sun off of your
face, wide brimmed hats are suggested better for use over baseball caps as they
cover the back of the neck and the ears as well as the face.
But what
about my summer glow?
about my summer glow?
Any change in
the skin color caused by exposure to the sun or tanning beds is considered skin
damage. Although that tan may fade in the winter, the damage underneath is
still there. A skin
healthy alternative is self tanner or a sunless tanning salon.
the skin color caused by exposure to the sun or tanning beds is considered skin
damage. Although that tan may fade in the winter, the damage underneath is
still there. A skin
healthy alternative is self tanner or a sunless tanning salon.
For tips on
how to apply self tanner like a pro:
how to apply self tanner like a pro:
Sources:
American
Acamdemy of Dermotalogy https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/sunscreen
Acamdemy of Dermotalogy https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/sunscreen
Blog post by Erin Womboldt.
