Protection From the Sun: Best Practices

With the weather getting warmer and summer just around the corner there’s a few things to check off the list: Getting some new summer clothes, signing the kids up for camp and booking those last-minute vacations. But there’s something else to put on the calendar: May is Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, aimed to prevent the most common form of cancer to strike – and one of the most preventable. So with the flip flops coming out, here’s a few tips to keep your skin healthy:

1. Don’t soak up too many of the rays

A day by the pool, beach or lake shouldn’t be all about getting the perfect tan. As the American Cancer Society advises, going outside is great for your health but should be done with a bit of cover-up in addition to sunscreen. Try wearing a hat, T-shirt and sunglasses while out in the sun. And whenever possible, look for the shade after too much time outside. But as the ACS mentions, clothes don’t block out all of the UV rays—wear sunscreen underneath them as well and look into special UV-blocking clothing.

2. Pick out the right sunscreen

Banana Boat might have the best commercials and another brand might be on sale. But all sunscreens are not created equal. The experts at Slidell Memorial Hospital advise getting sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays and have an SPF rating of at least 30 or greater. Make sure to reapply every two to three hours—more in areas like your face. And be sure to get spots that are often missed: thinning hairlines, hands, the tops of ears, feet, lips and neck.

3. Pay attention to the clock

While it might not always be possible to control what time you go outside, limiting your activities to a time when the sun isn’t at its peak (between 10 am – 4 pm during summer days) can reduce the risk of overexposure.

4. Remember that a perfect tan isn’t a sign of health

Sunburns are a sure sign of a raised risk of cancer (and wrinkles) in the future, but a stereotypical healthy-looking tan isn’t a sign that you’ve done everything right. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, tans are also a sign of skin cell damage caused by UV rays—and those gotten from artificial tanning beds aren’t any safer. Those who use indoor UV rays develop melanoma 74% more than those who avoid the tanning salon. The idea of getting a "base tan” to avoid burning in the outdoor sun during a beach trip—popular among indoor tanners—is also a falsehood. Added sun exposure can still lead to extra risk for skin damage.

5. Teach good habits early

Kids who are taught proper habits in the sun early are more likely to have healthy skin throughout their lives. Make sure that they’re properly covered up by re-applying sunscreen liberally, especially if they’re toweling off when getting in and out of the pool, ocean or lake.

6. Check the UV Index

The UV Index, which is kept by the Environmental Protection Agency and can be found on its website (as well as a variety of other places including some smartphone apps) forecasts the risk of overexposure of UV radiation from the sun—and how long it will take to occur. The scale goes from 1-11. When UV levels reach 8-10, skin damage can occur after just 15 minutes in the sun. And when they’re at 11, it can take less than 10 minutes outside for damage to occur. Also useful to keep an eye on: the EPA will issue regional warnings for dangerously high forecasts.