The Importance of Sunscreen, Shade & Skin Checks

Now that the days are warming up, you’re probably excited to start spending more time outside. I know I am. Few things beat a sunny day outdoors. But as good as sunshine feels on your back, it can also do some major damage to your skin.

If you’re planning on spending time outdoors this spring and summer, be sure you’re taking steps to protect your skin from the sun. It’s all too easy to forget sunscreen when you’re rushing out the door for a hike, a ride, a swim, or a climb… but it’s essential to your health that you remember.

I know that and I’m sure you do, too. What I didn’t know until I read this article, however, was that melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) is the leading cancer diagnosis in women age 25-29. Men – you’re not immune either. Nor are people with darker skin. Everyone (at any age) is susceptible to skin cancer. It’s also a leading cause of premature aging of the skin (why rush the wrinkles, right?).

I recently paid a visit to my dermatologist (anyone over 25 should be going yearly for a skin check) and he told me I shouldn’t even think about going in the sun without applying a thick layer of sunscreen. Here’s what else he told me:

1. Stay out of the sun between 10 and 2 when the rays are the strongest. PST (prime sun time) should be called PBT (prime burn time). If you like to hike in the summer like I do, make it an early morning or a late afternoon outing.

2. The best defense against the sun is the shade. The second best is clothing. If you’re planning on being outside for an extended period of time, consider long sleeves, pants and a wide-brimmed hat. Moisture-wicking, lightweight UV protective clothing is the best. If you’ll be in the water, consider a rash guard shirt.

3. The third best defense is sunscreen. But not your wimpy SPF 15 or even SPF 30. My dermatologist told me I shouldn’t be wearing anything less than SPF 85. He said Zinc is the best, but he also recommended Neutrogena spray sunscreen with Helioplex. Apply 30 minutes before you head outdoors and don’t forget to reapply often. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on your legs and feet, too. Those areas often go unprotected because they don’t burn as easily, but they’re actually two areas where skin cancer is most common. Green Tip: Consider biodegradable, eco-friendly sunscreens. Just be sure they have the appropriate SPF protection.

4. Protect yourself from the sun even if the sky looks overcast. You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s worth repeating. UV rays can cut through haze – you just won’t notice it as much, which can be even more dangerous.

5. Keep an eye on any suspicious looking freckles or moles. Visit a dermatologist (don’t leave it up to your physician) yearly and any time you notice a skin spot that 1. you’ve never seen before, 2. has changed shape or size, 3. becomes noticeably darker, 4. has asymmetrical borders, 5. is larger than the size of a pencil eraser.

For more information, see this article on MSNBC.