A bright, sunny day is a proven mood booster. Yet sunny days can have a dark side.
Exposure to sunlight is the top cause of skin damage. That damage speeds up skin aging and raises your risk for skin cancer. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to protect your skin.
These tips will help you stay safe while making the most of those sunny days.
How to prevent sun damage
The sun’s rays are a powerful source of ultraviolet (UV) light. Too much UV can cause sunburns, especially in people with lighter skin. But keep in mind that UV light damages all skin — even people with darker skin tones and those who have never had a sunburn.
Over time, sun damage leads to changes like freckles, age spots, wrinkles and sagging skin. Even worse, it can cause skin cancer — the most common cancer of all.
Here are the steps you can take to protect yourself from sun damage:
- Reach for the sunscreen. Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin. Use it whenever you’re outdoors. (Keep reading for expert sunscreen tips.)
- Take cover. Shade is your friend! Park yourself beneath a tree or umbrella when you’re outside. Wear hats and lightweight, long-sleeved clothes to protect yourself from UV rays — and don’t forget your eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
- Time it right. The sun is strongest during midday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you’re planning an outdoor activity, try to schedule it for early morning or late afternoon.
- Skip the tanning salon. Tanning beds that use UV light are dangerous. They increase your risk of cancer and cause faster skin aging. If you want a darker tone, consider getting a spray tan instead.
Sunscreen basics
Sunscreen is a must-have for healthy skin, but shopping the sunscreen aisle can be overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know.
- Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Sunlight contains two types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. Broad-spectrum sunscreens block both types.
- Check the SPF. Sun protection factor, or SPF, is a measure of the sunscreen’s effectiveness. The higher the number, the greater the protection. Experts recommend aiming for sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher.
- Make it a daily habit. The sun’s rays are never safe, even during the winter or on cloudy days. Put sunscreen on your face and other exposed skin every day.
- Reapply. Put on a fresh layer every 2 hours — or more often if you’ve been swimming or sweating a lot.
- Know your options. Sunscreens come in lots of formulas. Mineral powders are great for touching up your face throughout the day. Sticks are convenient for throwing in your bag. Sprays can make it easier to reapply at the beach. Experiment to find the formulas that work for you.
Mineral vs. chemical:
How to choose a sunscreen
Whether you reach for a spray, stick, cream or powder sunscreen, they all fall into one of two categories: mineral and chemical. Which type is right for you? That depends. Here’s a look at the pros and cons.
Chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals absorb the sun’s rays to protect your skin from damage.
Pros:
- Quick: Chemical sunscreens are usually faster to apply and rub in easily.
- Invisible: They don’t leave a white cast on the skin.
- Waterproof: Chemical sunscreens tend to be more water resistant than mineral sunscreens.
Cons:
- Irritation: They can cause irritation or breakouts in people with sensitive skin.
- Health unknowns: Your body may absorb some ingredients in chemical sunscreens. Scientists are still studying how that might affect your health.
- Environment: The ingredients can damage coral reefs and sea life. They aren’t recommended if you’re swimming in the ocean.
Mineral sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen, or physical sunscreen, contains minerals like titanium or zinc. The minerals form a barrier that blocks and reflects the sun’s rays.
Pros:
- Gentle: They are often better for people with sensitive skin.
- Safe: Mineral formulas sit on top of your skin, so they are less likely to be absorbed into your body.
- Reef-friendly: Mineral options are sometimes labeled “reef safe” because they are less damaging to marine life.
Cons:
- Thick: Mineral sunscreens are usually thicker and harder to rub in.
- Cast: They can leave a white cast on the skin. (Try tinted formulas to blend into darker skin tones.)
- Water resistance: Some mineral options aren’t as waterproof, so you might need to reapply more often if you’re swimming.
Skin cancer signs and symptoms
By taking steps to prevent sun damage, you can keep your skin healthy and happy. Still, it’s always a good idea to look out for suspicious skin changes. If you catch skin cancer early, there’s a great chance your doctor can remove it before it causes serious problems.
Talk to your doctor if you notice these symptoms:
- Dark spot or line under a fingernail or toenail
- Flesh-colored, pearl-shaped bump
- Mole that has a crooked or irregular border
- Mole that contains areas of different colors (including brown, black, red, white and even blue)
- Patch of dry, scaly skin that doesn’t get better
- Sore that doesn’t heal, or heals and then reopens
- Spot or growth that grows, bleeds or changes appearance over time
Glowing skin is about good health, not just beauty. Being skin-smart isn’t extra. It’s essential!
Contact us
If you have any concerns about your skin, talk to a dermatologist or your primary care doctor. Find a doctor at MLK Community Healthcare or call 424-529-6755 to make an appointment.