Being outside in the summer sun is a great way to reduce stress, get your daily dose of Vitamin D, and get a nice tan. However, too much exposure to the sun and its invisible UV radiation can cause dehydration, sun poisoning, and even skin cancer (melanoma). July is UV Safety Month, and BRMS wants you to know that with a few simple precautions, you can get all the positive health benefits from the sun while protecting yourself from the negative ones.
Each year, more cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. than new cases of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. Below are some handy numbers to know and tasks to complete before you head to the beach:
BRMS recommends:
- Bring an umbrella, wear a hat, and put on your sunglasses
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to halve your chances of developing melanoma
- Drink water! The more hydrated your skin is, the better
BRMS recommends:
- Regularly visit your doctor
- Pay close attention to any new or growing moles on your skin
- Bring more awareness by sharing this stat with others
BRMS recommends:
- Choose broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above for extended outdoor activity
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to reduce its chances of washing away from water or sweat
- Use at least one ounce of sunscreen for each application
BRMS recommends:
- Limit your sun exposure during the summer months
- Apply broad spectrum SPF sunscreen regularly
- Keep your skin hydrated by drinking water and applying non-SPF lotion while indoors
There’s nothing like the summer sun, but it can be a double-edged sword. All the fantastic health benefits of the sun can be quickly negated with unprotected skin. Now that you understand the risks and the simple steps you can take to prevent UV damage, we hope you’ll take this knowledge with you to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and safe.
Sources:
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ultraviolet-radiation