Fun in the Sun: How to enjoy the summer while being sun-safe

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — The days are getting longer, the temperatures are getting warmer, and summer is almost here. It’s the season of endless days at the pool, at the lake, or just getting outside to make the most of the summertime.

But it’s also the season where sun safety is especially crucial.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed per year than breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancer combined. And while melanoma makes up only about 3% of all those cases, it results in over 75% of all skin cancer deaths.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer, one of the most preventable cancers, in their lifetime.

But skin cancer isn’t the only risk from sun exposure. The EPA also says that about 90% of visible skin changes associated with aging and early aging are due to sun exposure.

Prolonged exposure or overexposure to the sun can also damage your eyes and cause cataracts, macular degeneration and other issues.

In addition, the EPA says scientists have found that overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation can also weaken the immune system and reduce the skin’s ability to protect the immune system.

One of the best methods to prevent these issues is to always practice sun safety.

First, a few basic things to remember:

1.) The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use extra caution in the sun at these times .

2.) Your shadow can help tell the sun’s altitude. A short shadow means the sun is at peak and UV rays are most intense .

3.) Even cloudy days can have intense UV exposure. Always protect yourself from the sun .

4.) Regardless of skin tone, UV rays can still do damage and increase risk of skin cancer .

The most important thing you can do is avoid sunburn as much as possible. Just one blistering sunburn during childhood and/or a history of 5 or more sunburns more than doubles your potential of melanoma development, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Wearing sunscreen is the best method of preventing sunburns as long as you apply it and use it properly.

Some recommendations from the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, when selecting a sunscreen:

• Choose one that offers a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, is water resistant, and provides broad-spectrum coverage (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
• Apply sunscreen generously approximately 15 minutes before going outside
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating, according to the product labeling
• Keep babies six months or younger out of direct sunlight and cover them with clothing instead of sunscreen if possible

See more tips on finding the right sunscreen for you and your family here !

In addition to sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends covering up as much skin as possible to protect yourself from sun exposure. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants are always your best options. Remember, dark colors offer more protection than lighter colors and dry clothes offer more protection than wet clothes.

A wide-brimmed hat is also an effective way to protect your face and neck. For optimal sun protection, choose one with a wide brim all the way around. Baseball caps and straw hats may offer some protection, but do not cover your neck and face as much as just the top of your head, so steer clear of those if you can.

Flip-flops and sandals (or even going barefoot) are a popular choice for the lake, beach, or pool. However, it’s important to remember to apply and reapply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Even the bottoms of your feet can get sunburned!

It’s also crucial to protect your eyes from the sun. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends checking the UV rating on sunglasses before buying a pair, checking to ensure they either block 99-100% UV or UV 400 protection OR block out both UV-A and UV-B rays. Kids should also be wearing kids’ versions of proper adult sunglasses, NOT toy sunglasses.

A few other things to consider when purchasing sunglasses:

• Polarized or non-polarized: Polarized lenses cut sunlight that bounces off surfaces like car windows, water, etc.
• Lens Darkness: Darker lenses aren’t always better and don’t always mean more protection; they tell you nothing about UV-blocking ability,
• Style: Wraparound glasses are your best option, as they’re shaped to keep light from shining around frames and into your eyes; they offer the most UV/sun protection
• Mirror coated: WILL reduce the amount of visible light entering your eyes, but may NOT fully protect against UV radiation

Finally, you should avoid tanning beds and/or sun tanning. There is no safe or healthy tan according to the Melanoma Research Foundation . In fact, a sun tan is a visible sign of damage that increases your risk of skin cancer with each cumulative tan. The Melanoma Research Foundation estimates that just one single indoor tanning session increases your risk of skin cancer by 75%. Additionally, a “base tan” provides zero protection from UV exposure.

In lieu of a tan via tanning bed or sunbathing outside, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests sunless tanning products as an alternative or just avoiding tanning altogether.

Even being sun safe, you should do regular skin checks, at least monthly. To learn how to do a self-exam and what to look for, visit the Skin Cancer Foundation’s guide to self exams .

And for a variety of other sun safety and skin cancer prevention resources, please visit: https://skincancerprevention.org/learning/sun-safety /

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