By Shannin Prather
July 2020 | 2020 Summer Newsletter
It’s natural to want to get out in the sun as the weather warms up, especially after sheltering in place for so long. It’s safe to get out in the sun, as long as you are sticking to social distancing guidelines, continue to take precautionary measures, and protect your skin.
Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Awareness Month happens every July. The month serves as a reminder of the connection between UV light and cancers of the skin, eye, lip, and to educate people about effective UV protection. UV rays from the sun and other sources, like tanning beds, are the number one causes of skin cancer. Too much exposure can also cause sunburn, eye damage, and wrinkles.
Reducing sun exposure is the best way to prevent skin cancer. Stay out of the sun during midday as the rays are more intense. When you’re outdoors, shield your skin by wearing lightweight clothing, a hat with a brim, sunglasses that block UV rays, and using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to help lower your risk.
Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, including easily overlooked areas like the ears and back of the neck. Sunscreen with a higher SPF offers more protection. An SPF of 30 means you get the same amount of exposure in 30 minutes as you would in one minute without protection. Look for products that block both UV-A and UV-B rays. Remember that even the best sunscreen does not block ultraviolet rays completely.
Learn more about sun safety by visiting the cancer home page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: cdc.gov.