The temperature is rising and we are seeing the UV index rise as we approach Memorial Day.
This is why it is important to start protecting your skin from the effects of the sun's rays.
In fact, about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are related to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This exposure can happen at any time of the year, but is especially important if we are outdoors more often in the spring and summer.
In addition to preventing problems such as cancer and eye damage, protection from the effects of sun exposure also helps prevent skin spots and “skinny” skin that can make us look older.
There are easy ways you can keep your skin healthy by protecting yourself from the sun while enjoying the warmer months.
See your dermatologist. Early detection is one of the most effective ways to protect against skin cancer. You can do this by having a dermatologist check your skin for growths, unusual spots or skin changes every year with an annual full-body exam, from your scalp to your toes. (Remember to remove all makeup and nail polish!) If your dermatologist sees anything concerning, they'll discuss whether you might need to remove something and send for a biopsy.
Wear sunscreen. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher even on cloudy days. It's important to apply sunscreen liberally (about a glass's worth) every two hours to all exposed skin—including your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and lips—but more often if you sweat or swim. People with less or no hair should also apply sunscreen to their head. (Check with your child's pediatrician for the safest sun protection for children six months and younger.)
The FDA highlights the increased risks of sun exposure for certain individuals. Those with light skin and light eyes and blonde, red or brown hair should take special care of their skin. There are also increased risks for people who have already received treatment for skin cancer and/or have a family member who has had skin cancer. Tell your dermatologist what medications and vitamins you are taking. Some medications can cause sensitivity to the sun.
Masking. Sunscreen doesn't cover everything, even hair can be damaged by the sun's rays, hats are essential for the sun. Look for wide-brimmed hats that cover your ears and neck.
It is also important to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light from outside or artificial light, especially if you have fair skin and light eyes. Even sunlight reflected off sand, water (and snow and ice) increases UV exposure and increases the risk of eye problems, as well as damage to the eyelids, skin around the eyes, cornea and lenses.
Look for sunglasses that provide 100% UV or UV400 protection or block UV-A and UV-B rays. Pair them with your hat for maximum coverage whenever you're out and about.
The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and that approximately 9,500 people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer each day. However, there are easy ways to prevent the possibility of skin cancer by constantly protecting our skin from the sun's harmful rays and visiting a dermatologist regularly to detect changes in our skin over time.
Raman Kevin Madan, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Northwell Health Physician Partners Dermatology in Huntington.
