It’s almost 104 degrees Fahrenheit out there, the sun is shining, and the summer is just starting. But let’s face it, it’s HOT outside! All you want to do is spend your afternoon by the pool, hiking or eating a cold ice cream!
However, spending time outside will expose your skin to the sun’s ultraviolet rays which can cause melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop this type of cancer in their lifetime.
Summer should bring you joy, not worry, that’s why it is important to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Here’s a list of tips you may want to follow when spending time outdoors:
- Stay indoors from 10:00 am – 2:00pm: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. At this time, the ultraviolet rays are at their peak and may cause skin damage. If you are planning to go outdoors during this time, seek some shade.
- Wear protective clothing: Make sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats your best friends during the hot summer days.
- Apply sunscreen regularly: Even when it’s not sunny outside, apply sunscreen SPF 30 or higher every two hours. Most adults will need about 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) of sunscreen to cover the entire body.Here’s a GUIDE on how to select the right sunscreen for you.
- Check your skin: Perform regular skin self-exams and look for any new or suspicious spots on your skin. If you find anything out of the ordinary like spots that change size, itch or bleed, make an appointment with your dermatologists.
Sun exposure and skin cancer should not be taken lightly. Melanoma is dangerous but can be treatable if it’s caught early. Our dermatologists are now conducting skin cancer screenings at our four different locations. Book an appointment and make ensure that you are ALL CLEAR from dangerous skin conditions.
