6 Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and on the rise? Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that may be caused by a combination of factors, one of which is exposure to the sun. In honor of this observance, let’s walk through some ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer and tips on being sun safe.
1. Wear Sunglasses with UV (Ultraviolet) Protection
Wear sunglasses that block both types of UV light, UVA and UVB.
2. Know Your Body
You’re the first line of defense! Familiarize yourself with your body and any existing moles, freckles, raised bumps, or anything else out of the ordinary. Be on the lookout for any changes or new spots. Use the American Academy of Dermatology’s “ABCDE” to learn more about when a spot may be melanoma (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving). In addition to frequent self-exams, it may also be recommended to schedule annual body check with your dermatologist. As always, consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.
3. Avoid Tanning Beds
The lights in tanning beds give off UV light and can increase your risk of skin cancer.
4. Wear Hats and Protective Clothing
There are many lightweight, protective clothing options to cover and protect your skin from sun exposure.
5. Avoid Midday Sun
The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10am – 4pm. Consider staying inside or under the shade during this time.
6. Wear Sunscreen!
Wearing sunscreen is one of the best protective measures you can take, but it’s important to consider the factors below to get the best protection.
- Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Sunscreen also expires, so keep an eye on the expiration date.
- Wear sunscreen year-round, even when it is cold or cloudy.
- Use enough sunscreen for your whole body – for an average-sized adult or child, this is about one ounce (about the amount it takes to fill a shot glass). Don’t forget places like your ears, head/scalp, and feet! Use a lip balm with SPF for your lips.
- Reapply at least every two hours and more if you’re sweating/swimming.
- Be careful with sunscreen sprays – using them makes it harder to tell where you’re applying, especially if it’s windy, so it’s easy to miss spots. They’re also flammable, so be careful around open flames.
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Resources:
Cleveland Clinic. (2021, June 21). Melanoma. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14391-melanoma
Cleveland Clinic. (2024, November 15). ABCDEs of Skin Cancer. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/8648-skin-self-exam
FDA. (2024, May 9). Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023b, December 30). Melanoma. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884
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Listen to your care providers as they know you and your conditions best. Thank you for reading!
The Team at BSDI