Staying Safe in the Sun

What’s So Bad About Sunshine?

Most people feel great in the summer; the sun is shining, it’s warm, the days are beautiful, and people’s moods are uplifted. However if you’re not wearing sunscreen, and using other summer season safety measures, the summer sun may be doing you more bad than good.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the number one most common cancer in the United States. The problem is that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays cause a form of radiation which alters the cellular integrity of skin cells. Of course there’s more to it. To see an in-depth look at UV rays you can read the following article; Cell Response To Skin-damaging UV Rays Explained.

There are two common types of skin cancer, both carcinomas (basal and squamous cell). Both of these types of cancers are treatable in almost all cases. There is also a far more deadly skin cancer; melanoma. Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer and almost all cases are caused by too much exposure to UV rays. The most recent statistic study related to skin cancer shows that around 8,000 people died in 2004 from skin cancer. However, a staggering 50,000 plus were diagnosed with skin cancer. Staying safe in the sun and avoiding skin cancer is extra tough in the summer when UV ray exposure is more frequent.

Following are some ways to protect you and your family from harmful rays.

Sunscreen is Key to Staying Safe in the Sun

Everyone needs to wear sunscreen at all times when outside or when exposed to UV rays, such as riding in a car. Young, old, all nationalities, male, female, and no matter your skin shade, you need sunscreen year round.

Easy sunscreen tips:

• You need to wear sunscreen that’s sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and that has both UVA and UVB protection.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
• No matter the weather, use your sunscreen. If it’s cloudy, snowing, sunny, or raining, UV rays are still present. The biggest mistake most people make is only wearing sunscreen if they can see the sun.
• Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. You should use about a shot glass size amount of sunscreen for your body.
• Don’t miss parts of your body. Your feet, nose, ears, and hands are common places people forget to apply sunscreen – these are also places where skin cancer can appear.
• You need to reapply often; every 2 hours when you’re outside, more often if you’re sweating or swimming. Even if a brand says waterproof, it’s safer to reapply.
• If you sense that you may have a skin reaction to sunscreen look for a PABA-free brand of sunscreen. Technically, PABA-free is safer for most people. UV Natural makes natural, non-fragranced, PABA-free sunscreens, all in 30 SPF, for all members of the family.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) used to say no sunscreen for babies, because of allergy risks. Now the AAP recommends sunscreen for even babies under six months due to the danger of UV rays outweighing that of allergies.

Other Sun Safety Tips

Sunscreen is good, and you should wear it each day, but it’s not the only way to protect yourself from the sun.

Staying safe in the sun also includes…

• Coverage: Research shows that coverage is even better than sunscreen. It’s just that most people don’t wear coverage heavy clothing in the summer. However, when possible wear clothing that covers your skin – for example, in the snow, wear a face mask. UV rays reflect off the snow onto your skin.
• Hats: Hats are perfect all year round apparel. Hats are especially good for protecting babies and small children from facial sun exposure. However, anyone at any age can benefit from a good hat with a wide brim.
• Avoidance: Avoid the sun when possible. During peak UV ray hours stay inside. In most areas, UV rays are heaviest from about 10am to 3pm, but of course this will depend on your specific area.
• Sunglasses: Serious eye damage can occur from UV rays. People of all ages should wear sunglasses when outside. Shades on glasses should block close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Ask your eye doctor for recommendations.

For extra summer safety information read; Summer Heat Safety Tips and Children's Summer Safety Tips.

Having fun in the sun is always good, but having safe fun in the sun is much better.