Safe Sun Tips: A Crash Course
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the U.S., affecting more than 2 million people each year (that's equal to the population of Nebraska!). There are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined!
The best way to enjoy your time outdoors this summer, without becoming a statistic, is to get smart and start practicing safe sun.
PROTECT YOURSELF
If you’re not willing to commit to spending the summer camped out under umbrella slathered in sunscreen, wearing sunglasses and a sarong, what you can do is learn to apply sunscreen correctly. First off, don’t skimp. Use at least an ounce of sunscreen for every application (that’s enough to fill a shot glass). Next, always apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. This gives skin time to soak it in. And lastly, reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
THINK SMALL
Before you hit the beach, be mindful of extra-sensitive spots. Areas such as your eyes, nose, ears, and lips are some of the most sunburn-prone parts of your body. Spare yourself the cataracts and crow's feet later on by investing in a good pair of UV-blocking sunglasses and a good broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen sunblock stick (block being the key word here). For those delicate areas on the face and neck, try Photodynamic Therapy 3-in-1 facial lotion with broad spectrum spf 30.
DON'T OVERREACT
Birth control pills, prescription acne medications or antibiotics can cause your skin to become photosensitive (which means it will burn faster than usual). So if you're taking birth control, always check with your doctor, and always use a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen before going out in the sun.
TANNING BEDS ARE SIMPLY NOT AN OPTION
The skin equivalent of smoking a cigarette, spending any amount of time in a tanning bed makes your skin cancer risk skyrocket. But don't just take my word for it. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an affiliate of the World Health Organization, includes tanning beds among its list of the most dangerous cancer-causing substances. So, if you're even the slightest bit curious about these cancer coffins, think twice: The Skin Cancer Foundation maintains that, "The risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a common non-melanoma skin cancer, increases by 25 percent after only one to two indoor tanning sessions. What’s more, the risk soars to 73 percent after six or more sessions."
By Cindy Fedida
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer
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