Written by: Vanessa Molina Santamaria • July 12, 2021• Summer

Staying Safe in the Summer Sun

Summer means more time spent at the beach or poolside, enjoying outdoor adventures and going on vacations. While it can be tough to beat the heat outdoors, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays.

It’s heating up in the Sunshine State once again, and with temperatures soaring, it also means you need to be mindful of the sun exposure you and your family are getting, especially the UV rays.

What are UV Rays?

According to the American Cancer Society, UV, or ultraviolet, is a form of radiation. Only this form of radiation comes primarily from the sun’s rays, as well as a few man-made sources like tanning beds or welding torches. There are three forms of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC. The sun produces all three, but UVA and UVB are the most damaging rays. UVB rays in particular have the most energy of all and are thought to be the major contributor to most skin cancers.

Protecting Yourself from the Sun

Regardless of which types of UV rays are causing damage, the steps for protecting yourself are the same. Here are some top tips from medical experts for protecting yourself from sunburn, skin damage and even skin cancer related to the sun:

Educate and avoid. As with most dangerous things, avoidance is the best approach for keeping yourself sun safe. This isn’t always possible, of course, but you can protect yourself by checking the daily UV index and trying to steer clear of the outdoors on days when it’s very high. Also keep in mind that UV rays are stronger in the spring and summer months and between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Find some shade. If you need to be outside, then stick to the shade of a tree, building, umbrella or other object to keep yourself safe. However, the Skin Cancer Foundation says that UV rays can still affect you even in the shade, so be sure to use some of the other sun-protection methods discussed here as well.
Cover up. Long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and pants are great methods for keeping the sun off your sensitive skin in the summer months. While wearing long sleeves and pants on a hot summer day may not seem appealing, many of the newest fabrics are lightweight and breathable to be more comfortable. Also be sure to look for clothes that are UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rated to protect you from the sun, as well as UV-blocking sunglasses. A hat with at least 3 inches of brim all the way around will protect your neck and ears, as well as your face.
Choose the right sunscreen. Of course, the primary weapon for protecting yourself from UV rays is sunscreen. The three key factors you’ll want to look for here are 1) broad-spectrum protection, 2) water resistance and 3) an SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply (and reapply) it right. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen to all skin that clothing will not cover, paying careful attention to the neck, ears, feet and the top of your head. You should also reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
Make sure kids are protected. If you have little ones, they are particularly vulnerable to the sun. Sunscreen is typically not recommended for babies less than 6 months old, so keep them clothed and shaded or out of the sun entirely when possible. At the age of 6 months, you can begin using sunscreen along with other protective clothing and hats to keep your child safe in the sun.

Be Skin Cancer Aware

Of course, sunburn and skin damage are possible unpleasant effects of sun exposure, but perhaps the most concerning impact is an increased risk of skin cancer. Luckily, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes this is one form of cancer that you can often detect early with your own eyes. To stay safe, the foundation recommends examining your skin head-to-toe once every month. While you are doing so, look for any of the following unusual signs or symptoms:

An open sore that persists for three weeks or longer
A sore or spot that crusts, scabs, bleeds, hurts or itches
Any skin growth that increases in size and is multicolored, black, brown, tan or transparent
A mole, spot or birthmark that grows, changes color or is larger than a pencil eraser

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to get it checked out as soon as possible.

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