The sun’s rays grow much stronger in the summer, and the risk of getting skin cancer does as well. In fact, more Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer than every other cancer combined.* Fortunately, there are easy ways you can stay safe from the sun and still enjoy the great outdoors! Whether you’re spending summer at the beach or in the peace and quiet of your front porch, make sure you’re protecting yourself from UV rays.
At BRMS, we’re working to spread awareness about the importance of sun safety through helpful tips and insights!
- 1 in 5 Americans will likely develop skin cancer by the age of 70.*
- Over 90% of skin cancer is caused by UV exposure.**
- Your risk for melanoma doubles if you get 5 or more sunburns.*
- More than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each day in the U.S.*
- If caught early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.*
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen
Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to protecting your skin, but there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Look for one with an SPF of 15 or higher to guard against UV rays and apply a generous layer to all exposed skin, even those tricky spots like your back and shoulders!
Sunscreen wears off over time so reapplying regularly, ideally every two hours or as needed, is essential.
Pay Attention to the Time of Day
Depending on the time of day, UV rays can be stronger and cause more damage to your skin. In the United States, the sun is most powerful from 10 am to 4 pm. If you’re going to be outside during those hours, make sure you have proper sun protection on and be mindful of the UV index, which forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV index reaches 3 or higher, take extra care to protect your skin from the sun.
Stick to the Shade
Sunscreen is key for protecting your skin, but don’t underestimate the value of shade. Sitting under a tree or covered area can significantly reduce UV exposure and help you stay cool, especially during peak sun hours. If natural shade isn’t available, bring an umbrella, canopy, or wear sun-protective clothing. Remember that shade alone isn’t foolproof, so always combine it with other sun protection for full coverage.
Watch Out for Water, Cement, and Sand
UV rays aren’t just dangerous from above; those rays can also bounce off of various surfaces such as water, cement, and sand. In fact, dry beach sand can reflect 15 to 18% of the sun’s rays, and sea foam can reflect 25 to 30%.*** As the UV rays are reflected, they can cause sunburns and skin damage, even in cloudy conditions. Whether under clear or cloudy skies, be sure to stay mindful of UV reflection and practice proper sun safety.
Invest in Quality Sunglasses
Your eyes are sensitive to the sun in more ways than you might think.
Prolonged UV exposure can damage your eyes and vision, leading to conditions such as blurred vision, cataracts, and even certain eye cancers. To avoid this, opt for sunglasses labeled with 100% UVA and UVB protection. While many pairs already offer some UV filtering, only those clearly marked ensure the most effective coverage.
Spending time outdoors in warm weather is a great way to lift your mood and get essential Vitamin D. While UV rays can pose risks if you aren’t careful, you can still have plenty of fun in the sun just by incorporating these helpful tips. Join us as we work together to promote proper sun safety and ensure a happy and healthy summer for all!
