As we approach the summer months, we revel in the outdoor activities we’ve been deprived of and missing all winter long. We have gone through the long season without much sunshine, and now is our chance to go outside every day during the long summer days to enjoy all the outdoor activities we love.
On the weekends, we like to go up north and spend time at the lake – boating, riding jet skis or fishing. Many of us like that “healthy glow” we get from spending time in the sun. Our children enjoy playing sports such as soccer, tennis, football and baseball, among many others. Some of us have outdoor jobs such as landscaping, roofing or construction, and we take advantage of the long summer days to get as much work done as possible. Many people enjoy working in the garden or doing home improvement projects.
For these reasons and others, spring and summer are wonderful seasons to enjoy in Michigan; however, we must be careful to avoid overexposure to the sun. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind that will decrease your risk of sun-induced skin damage:
- The first rule is DO NOT BURN. Your risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer) doubles if you have had more than five sunburns.
- Cover up with clothing as much as is practical (without overheating). This includes wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and garments that have SPF (sun protective factor).
- Keep newborns and babies out of the sun when possible. Sunscreen products may be applied to babies six months and older.
- Seek the shade between 10am and 4pm; that is, avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hours of peak intensity.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Remember to reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Typically, one ounce (which is equivalent to two tablespoons) will be adequate to protect all exposed areas of the body.
As we know, the rate of skin cancer is increasing. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer. Half of all Americans over the age of 65 will have had skin cancer at least once in their lifetime. When we enjoy ourselves in the sun, we can choose to be responsible, as this will lead to lower incidence of skin cancer. We should also educate our kids and teach them good sun safety habits at a young age.
Many older generations did not have sunscreen products, or did not know about sunscreen while growing up. We don’t have that excuse anymore. Now, we know that skin damage from sun exposure is cumulative, and only about 23 percent of lifetime sun exposure happens before age 18. We also know that 90 percent of skin aging is due to the sun. People who use sunscreen SPF 15 on a daily basis decrease their skin aging by 24 percent.
I hope you have a great summer, while also being responsible when it comes to sun safety. I treat skin cancer on a daily basis and many of my patients regret their past indiscretions with the sun. Hopefully, you will not be one of them.
You don’t have to hide in the shade – just be responsible about sun safety.
