As summer approaches and the sun starts peeking out from behind the clouds, I can feel the anticipation.
Summer is a magical time when everything just feels a bit more relaxed.
“Oh I’ll be inside most of the day.
I need my daily vitamin D!”
It’s time to start paying attention.
Basking in the sunshine sans sunscreen leads to skin damage and skin cancer.
Even more surprisingly, less than 10 percent of Americans actually verify to apply sunscreen everyday.
Read on to learn what really happens just below the surface when you’re exposed to those dangerous rays.
We refer to tanned skin as a sun-kissed look or a healthy glow.
It’s fun to come back from vacation and actuallylooklike you went somewhere warm.
Unfortunately in reality, a tan means nothing more than the start of sun damage.
Our skin is made up of three layers:epidermis, dermis, and fat.
The most superficial layer, the epidermis, is responsible for protecting us from the sun.
This gives skin that tough, leathery feel.
Some of the cells in this epidermis layer called melanocytes produce a darker color, giving us that tan.
So that sun kissed glow actually means skin damage has already taken place.
You’ll see new moles
It’s common to notice more moles or freckles during the summer.
The more your skin is exposed to the sun, the more spots you’ll start to see.
Remember those melanocyte cells that cause our skin to darken in the sun?
Well, if theystart to clump together, new moles develop.
Fair-skinned people are more likely to develop freckles.
You’ll get burned
When it comes to sun damage, a suntan is the first sign.
The next is a sunburn.
Sunburns are actual burns on your skin and result in hot, red, itchy areas of the skin.
Depending on the severity of your burn, you may blister as well.
“I want people to ‘learn from the burn.'”
Of course the risk of cancer sounds scary, but premature wrinkles?!
You’ve got my attention.
It’s estimated that90 percent of our skin’s agingis because of the sun.
In a long-termAustralian study, researchers followed 900 participants for over four years.
The second half also had to reapply throughout the day.
Their skin was more resilient, smoother, and less wrinkled.
The other group who could use sunscreen at their own discretion showed visible signs of aging.
You’ll put yourself at risk
The thought of cancer always feels so far away.
Even as a nurse, I frequently walk outside without sunscreen.
However, it’s time I change my mindset.
Skin cancer is alarmingly common.
I was shocked to learn that UV rays causemore cases of skin cancerthan smoking causes cases of lung cancer.
Even just a couple sunburns in your lifetime will increase your cancer risk.
So is any time in the sun okay?
Not without sunscreen says Dr.
Brewer told theNew York Times.
“There is no amount of tan that is healthy.”
But I need my vitamin D!
Yes, we’ve all heard that we need a little sunshine to get our vitamin D fix.
It’s true that we need vitamin D for bone health.
In fact,no studyhas ever linked wearing sunscreen with vitamin D deficiency.
You don’t need to put yourself at risk for cancer just to get one vitamin.
Try getting it from a supplement or the food you eat.
Stock up onfoods rich in vitamin Dlike eggs and salmon.
Many foods like milk and orange juice are fortified with vitamin D, so check the label.
What if you’re already burnt?
So you spent the day outside with friends and forgot the sunscreen.
The trick is to treat them fast to start feeling better.
First, cool off the burning sensation.
If you got burned during your pool day,take a dip in the poolto cool off your skin.
Only stay in for a couple minutes, then make your way to some shade.
you could also use ice packs or a cold shower if that feels good.
And don’t just save the cold water for the shower.
Start drinking it and replace those fluids that you lost during your day in the sun.
You could also try a sports drink to replace the electrolytes.
After your cold shower, break out your best lotion or moisturizing cream.
Moisturize regularly to help with the peeling or blistering skin.
Can’t stand the pain?
Try an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen or Aleve.
You could also try a one percent cortisone cream to calm some of that sting.
First, see to it to stock up at the store.
Always have some sunscreen on hand and make it part of your morning routine.
Wash your face, brush your teeth, and put on sunscreen.
Try buying makeup with built-in SPF to save a step.
confirm your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
It should have an SPF of at least 30.
Make a point to never find yourself without it.
Keep reapplying throughout the day to stay protected.
If you’re wondering if you really need the sunscreen everyday, the answer is yes.
What if it’s cloudy today?
Or I’m not planning on being outside much?
According to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology, it doesn’t matter.
When applying, use about an ounce of sunscreen (the size of your palm).
What else can I do?
Sunscreen isn’t the only way you’ve got the option to protect yourself.
Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and pants also can help protect from the damaging rays of the sun."
Always seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
It’s also important to perform skin cancer self checks.
Look for any new moles or spots.
And always see your dermatologist if you’re not sure.
“Skin cancer can be easily treated if detected early.”
