Summer time is Sun Time! There’s nothing quick like laying out on a beach blanket, soaking up some rays as the waves roll into the shore. But as great as that experience is, there is an insidious, unseen force that is determined to wreak havoc with your skin and turn that oh-so pleasant memory into a sea of regretfulness.
That force is Ultraviolet Radiation in the form of UVA and UVB rays, which are believed to be the primary initiators of skin cancer.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can to to protect your body’s largest organ during those lazy, hazy, crazy days of Summer. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends always applying a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as the first step in complete sun protection regimen. But the regimen doesn’t stop there. To keep your skin looking soft, supple and youthful looking, The Skin Care Foundation recommends:
Apply additional sunscreen immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Cover up. Choose SPF-rated clothing. Don’t forget to protect your face and eyes by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Find shade between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM when UVB rays are most prevalent.
Do not burn. A sunburn is not only painful, but it means you’ve damaged your skin. It’s not a good way to get a ‘base’ for a tan.
Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds. In addition to being terrible for your skin, It’s like microwaving your internal organs.
Protect your babies! Keep newborns out of the sun and apply sunscreen on babies over the age of six months.
Do a Self-Examination of your skin every month. If you notice something out of the ordinary, call your physician.
See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.