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Remember to use sunscreen!
The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, and most cases are preventable. Skin cancer rates, including rates of melanoma, have continued to increase in the United States and worldwide.
Protect your skin – Use sunscreen!
Before you go outside, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. sunscreen
Use more than you think you need. Studies have shown that consumers use much less sunscreen than is needed to effectively protect.
Sunscreen wears off. Apply again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating. Reapplying sunscreen, even if it is labeled as water resistant, at least every 2 hours. Water resistant sunscreens should be reapplied more often after swimming or sweating, according to the directions on the label.
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend keeping infants and newborns younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. If you do need to be outside in the sun during those times, be sure to take extra precautions for your baby e.g. protective clothing. And check with your pediatrician before applying sunscreen to children younger than 6 months. Additional information at the FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells. UV rays
Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time).
The UV index forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun. UV Index
Remember that sunscreens work best when combined with other sun safety approaches. Use sunscreen, cover up, say no to tanning beds, seek shade and visit your Dermatologist regularly.