Summer Safety

The beach and the pool are big draws during the hot, summer months. Dr. Craig Eichler, fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and skin cancer/sun damage expert, explains that “even one blistering sunburn double your risk of melanoma later in life.” Here are several tips to help you keep from burning while enjoying your game of Marco Polo.

Check expiration dates. Sunscreen has loses its effectiveness due to temperature extremes. Dr. Eichler advises buying new sunscreen every season.

Re-apply. Sunscreen wears off, so reapply at least every 40-minutes and after swimming or perspiring. Also make sure to apply sunscreen 20-minutes before it’s needed to give it time to absorb into your skin.

Be generous. Average size adults should use about “a palmful” to cover their entire body including their face.

Use at least SPF 15. A minimum SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays and SPF 30 blocks about 98%, explains Dr. Eichler. He recommendsSPF 30 if you are going to be outside for a long time.

Wear sunscreen even if you have darker skin. People who do not wear sunscreen because they have a tan already or have naturally darker skin can still get skin cancer.

Find some shade. If you are going to be outside all day, try to avoid direct sun when it is at its strongest, from 10am – 2pm. Hats and sunglasses are great ways to block some UV rays as well.

If you would like more information about caring for your sun-loving skin, go to PreSun Sunscreen. Thanks to Dr. Craig Eichler for providing this information.