Safer Fun in the Sun

9/18/2023

Skin Cancer is on the Rise – Know How to Protect Yourself

When you think about sun protection, you might think about a day at the beach. But during your lifetime, you get sun exposure doing everyday things like walking the dog, mowing the lawn and even driving in your car. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays adds up over time, and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Every year, nearly five million people are treated for skin cancer, and approximately 9,000 people die from melanoma.

Research shows that, while awareness of the risk is higher among women, MEN are actually more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer. Men tend to spend more time outside over their lifetimes than women, and their personal grooming products are less likely to contain sunscreen. When outside on a sunny day for more than an hour, only 14% of men reported using sunscreen on their faces and other exposed body parts.

Protecting yourself from UV exposure is simple, but common mistakes and misconceptions can result in increased risk. Here are some key things to remember to ensure you don’t fall victim to this increasingly common cancer:

• SPF Counts. The SPF number on a sunscreen reflects its effectiveness in blocking UV rays. While everyone should use a quality sunscreen with at least SPF 15, those with fair skin or prolonged exposure to the sun should consider using a product with SPF 50 or above.
• Application Errors. Body parts prone to heavy sun exposure (face, neck, shoulders) should receive a heavy application of sunscreen. Applying too thin a layer leaves you with gaps for the sun to blast through. Also, sunscreen does not last for 24 hours. Be sure to reapply often, especially if you are sweating or in water.
• Check Expiration Dates. Most sunscreen products are only good for 2-3 years, maximum, less if they’ve been exposed to high temperatures. Be sure to check the expiration date on your bottle. If you can’t find one, throw it out and invest in a new product.
• Avoid Skin Reactions. There are a variety of ingredient types in sunscreens. If your skin reacts badly to one set of ingredients, try another brand or formulation. Sensitive skin especially needs protection, as it tends to be more susceptible to skin cancers.

It’s important to remember that healthy sun exposure is vital to good health, enhancing sleep cycles, reducing the incidence of depression and increasing vitamin D levels. Taking precautions to keep your sun exposure controlled and appropriate allows you to benefit from all the sun has to offer.

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