Tips for preventing sunburn and decreasing the risk of skin cancer.
Summer is just around the corner — a time when many of us enjoy fun in the sun. Although research shows that spending time outdoors is associated with good health and well-being, it’s important to keep safety in mind when you spend time in the sun.
People with darker skin do not sunburn as easily; however, everyone can get skin cancer and serious melanomas. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sun exposure is also to blame for up to 90% of the visible signs of aging. That’s why everyone should take steps to protect their skin.
Kimberly Petrick, MD, a family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente Santa Monica Medical Offices, recommends that you wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher to prevent skin damage. Ensure that your sunscreen is “broad-spectrum” to protect yourself from ultraviolet A and B, known as UVA and UVB, rays.
Going to the beach or pool? Be extra cautious around sand and water, warns Dr. Petrick, as these surfaces can reflect 85% of the sun's rays.
“If you are going to go into water, consider water-resistant sunscreen,” said Dr. Petrick. “Either way, continue to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, because sunscreen does wear off. If you are going to be in the sun for more than 2 hours, no matter what the activities are, bring extra sunscreen with you for some touch-ups.”
She also recommends following these tips to stay safe during summertime fun.
“Taking simple precautions will help ensure that you can enjoy your summer without putting your health at risk,” said Dr. Petrick. “That way, you’ll have fun, be safe, and avoid sunburn, which can spoil an otherwise perfect day!”