You know that sun exposure increases your risk of skin cancer, so you wear sunscreen at the beach and never lay out to tan.
People with all skin tones and colors are at risk for skin damage and skin cancer from sun exposure.
1. While wearing SPF
Doctors warn that not all sunscreens are created equal and not everyone applies them correctly to get complete protection.
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Select a broad-spectrum formula. This ensures protection against both UVA and UVB rays. American Cancer Society states that while all sunscreens shield from UVB rays (causing sunburns and skin cancer), not all guard against UVA rays, responsible for skin damage, aging, and cancer.
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Choose SPF 15 or higher and reapply often. Higher SPF doesn't mean longer protection. Reapply every two hours, even with makeup. Consider a powder sunscreen for easy touch-ups.
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Select a water-resistant formula for sweating or swimming. Note that water-resistant is not the same as waterproof, so reapplication is needed every two hours or after toweling off.
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Ensure to cover commonly overlooked areas. Apply an SPF product to the scalp, lips, ears, hands, feet, and sides of your face.
2. Sitting in the shade
When spending time outside, seek shade to protect yourself from the sun. Even when in the shade, remember to apply and reapply sunscreen as the sun's rays can penetrate umbrella fabrics and reflect off the ground below. Remember to wear SPF whenever outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.
3. Riding in the car
According to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, more than half of skin cancers occur on the left side of the body. This is likely because we’re exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation while driving.
To reduce your sun exposure in the car:
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Have window film installed on your windows. Choose one that screens out both UVA and UVB radiation.
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Wear sun-protective clothing.
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Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you get in the car. Keep a bottle with you in the car and reapply every two hours.
4. Spending time indoors
If you sit near a window, you’re likely getting UV exposure. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, while window glass generally blocks most UVB rays that cause sunburn, more than 50% of UVA rays can still get through.
5. On rainy or cloudy days
UVA rays can still penetrate the clouds on foggy, rainy or overcast days, so don’t skip your SPF.
6. At the nail salon
For gel manicures needing light to cure, there's potential harmful UV exposure. Apply sunscreen pre & post, opt for airdrying with traditional manicures or ask for a fan.
7. While running errands
Apply sunscreen whenever you're outdoors, even for brief periods. Cumulative sun exposure can have lasting effects.You can still get sun damage without a sunburn
Even without getting a sunburn, one can still experience sun damage. Sunburn represents a severe form of such damage, affecting the skin's elastin fibers. This disruption in skin cell division is not easily visible, but becomes more noticeable with age.
This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
