While getting some sun can give you a nice golden tan and infuse your body with much needed vitamin D, too much sun exposure can harm your skin. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can significantly increase your risks of developing skin cancer. However, taking a few safety precautions can help you better protect yourself.
Stay Covered When the Sun is Highest
Generally, this is between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., but those hours can vary depending on the region in which you live. You can judge the height of the sun by your shadow. If it’s shorter than you are, it’s best to stay in shaded areas.
Use Clothing to Protect Your Skin
Whenever possible, it’s important to cover your skin with protective clothing. This is especially important, if you work outdoors. Try to keep your arms and legs covered. Wearing a hat or other head covering is also recommended.
Wear the Right Sunscreen
You should learn about sunscreen if you spend time outdoors in the summer months. Make sure the sunscreen you use is water-resistant and protects you against a broad range of rays given off by the sun. An SPF of 30 is recommended, though a higher SPF may be better for long-term sun exposure.
Wear Enough Sunscreen
As a rule of thumb, you should be reapplying sunscreen for every two hours of exposure. When you do apply it, use one ounce to cover the body of an adult, which is enough to fill a shot glass. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your face, ears, and neck. If you’re bald, or have very short hair, you should apply sunscreen lotion to the top of your head as well.
You Can Get Skin Cancer in the Winter
The sun’s rays can be intensified, when they’re reflected off other surfaces. This includes snow, as well as water and sand. Prolonged and unprotected exposure in these circumstances can cause sunburn.
Avoid the Use of Tanning Beds
The ultraviolet rays emitted by tanning bed bulbs are the same UV rays the sun gives off, so it’s still possible to get skin cancer. Even if the UV rays don’t cause you to develop skin cancer, they can damage skin cells and increase the aging process. If you must use tanning beds, apply sunscreen especially designed for tanning beds.
Check Your Skin Regularly
Self-exams are vital to identifying the possible development of skin cancer early. Check for the emergence of new moles or other blemishes, as well as remaining observant for itchy, reddened, or bleeding patches of skin.
Consult Skin Care Professionals
If you are concerned about your skin health, contact DermApproach in Reston, VA, for a consultation at 703-263-8707. In addition to laser skin treatment and laser hair removal, our facility also offers Dermatude Meta Therapy. This is more than an anti-aging therapy. By rejuvenating the skin, DermApproach restores a better level of hydration to the skin. This helps your skin cells stay youthful and healthy for longer. DermApproach’s professional staff wants to help you keep your skin looking and feeling great.
