It’s summer in the city! And July is UV safety month! This means it’s time to talk about how to be safe while you are out and about in that summer sun. Whether you’re basking on a beach or walking to the office we’re all exposed to the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays. These powerful rays can cause wrinkles, sun spots and even cancer. Yes, cancer! Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States? 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed every year in 2 million people. That’s an astounding number, because most skin cancers are preventable.
1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. We’re all exposed to the sun’s rays, therefore, we’re all at risk. Depending on your skin color, activities, and family history the risk is higher for some than others. As a commitment to safe sunning this month why not share the tips below with your loved ones about ways to protect your skin and minimize your risk for skin cancer while enjoying the sun.
- Stay out of the sun (e.g Don’t lay out) between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
- Use sunscreen DAILY with SPF 15 or higher – even on cloudy days
- Check your skin for any changes: e.g. moles, new freckles once a month
- Wear a hat and long sleeves if you’re out in the sun for extended periods of time
- Put sunscreen on 30min before heading outdoors
- Wear stunner shades that block both UVA and UVB rays from your eyes
If you desire that J Lo glow try a tan in a bottle (spray tan) for happy healthy sun-kissed skin this summer. Trust me, your skin will thank you later.
XO
Dr. V