The calendar says “spring,” but the sun can be just as strong in May as it is in the summer. That means it’s time to get your sun protection routine in gear! Otherwise, you risk damaging your skin and increasing your chances of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and around the world. In fact, one in five Americans will develop this kind of cancer by the time they turn 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The silver lining is that it’s also one of the most preventable types of cancer.

As you prepare for the long, lazy days of summer, don’t forget to stock up on sun protection and gear and take good care of your skin. Here’s a guide to help you out along the way.

  1. Use sunscreen early and often (and apply liberally). Many people think that sunscreen is a one-and-done event: they slather it on in the morning and then go about their day. While that’s an important step, it’s not the only one. Here’s advice from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):  
    • Everyone should use sunscreen. No one is immune to skin cancer. Sunscreen protects your skin and may also help prevent signs of premature aging.
    • SPF matters. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. This will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.  
    • Aim for an ounce each time. Visualize a shot glass, and that’s roughly how much sunscreen you should apply each time.
    • Cover all exposed areas. That includes the tops of your feet, your neck, your lips, your ears and the top of your scalp.
    • Reapply it throughout the day. Aim for every two hours. If you’re sweating or swimming, reapply it more frequently. Check the label for additional instructions.  
  1. Time it wisely. If you have flexibility in your schedule, avoid spending time outside when the sun is strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation). For outdoor workouts, try to fit them in in the early morning or evening, or hit the gym during the mid-day heat. If you do find yourself outside during those hours, opt for shaded areas whenever possible.
  2. Cover yourself up. Sun-protective clothing is designed to block UV radiation, and darker colors can offer more protection than lighter ones. A broad-brimmed hat can help shield your face and neck from the sun, and UV-blocking sunglasses can protect your eyes.
  3. Be aware of reflective surfaces. Use caution around water and sand, which can reflect the sun’s rays and increase the risk of getting sunburned.
  4. Avoid tanning beds. Some people believe that tanning beds are safer than natural sun exposure. The AAD says this is simply not the case. Indoor tanning relies on UV rays, and it can, in fact, increase the risk of skin cancer. If you’re looking for a little extra color, consider using a self-tanner.

How to treat a sunburn

So you stayed out in the sun a little too long, and you can feel the burn setting in. It happens! The first thing you should do is get out of the sun and, if possible, head inside. Then, follow these steps from the AAD:

  • Cool off. Take a cool shower or bath to take the edge off the pain, or place a cool, damp cloth on the sensitive areas.  
  • Moisturize. After you bathe, while your skin is still damp, cover yourself in lotion with aloe vera or soy, or use calamine lotion. Apply more throughout the day or night, as needed.
  • Take aspirin or ibuprofen to ease the pain and swelling.
  • Hydrate. Your body will need extra water to help you heal, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
  • Let your skin heal. Sometimes, blisters will form after a sunburn. If this happens, don’t pop them. Keep them clean and apply petroleum jelly to help protect them.
  • Resolve to protect your skin in the future. A sunburn is no walk in the park! Long after it heals, the damage remains.  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, having five or more sunburns can double your risk of developing melanoma. So take this experience as a warning and take action to avoid sunburns down the line.

Be proactive in your skin’s health

Protecting your skin is essential, all day, every day. That’s why it’s important to watch for any possible changes that may arise. The “ABCDEs” of melanoma can help you know what to look for, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If a new freckle or mole appears, or an existing one changes, be on the alert for the following:

  • A: Asymmetry: One half looks different than the other.
  • B: Border: The edges are uneven or blurred.
  • C: Color: There are multiple colors or shades.
  • D: Diameter: It’s larger than a pencil eraser.
  • E: Evolving: It’s changing in size, shape, color or height, or showing a new symptom, like scabbing or itching.

If you notice any of these ABCDEs, make an appointment with your primary care doctor or dermatologist, so they can decide the next steps.   

 

Every year, more than 5 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer. That’s more than any other cancers combined. As we head into summer, one of the kindest things you can do for yourself and your family is to take precautions and protect your skin. And if you see anything unusual, talk to your doctor. Because early treatment can save lives.