Skin protection tips

Amy Fauth

afauth@heraldstandard.com

The American Association of Dermatology has the following tips to protect your skin from the suns damaging ultraviolet rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer in any season:

n Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the suns rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade;

n Wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible;

n Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays;

n Use sunscreen whenever you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days. Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need about 1 ounce or enough to fill a shot glass to fully cover their body. Dont forget to apply to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating;

n Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn;

n Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging;

n Consider using a self-tanning product if you want to look tan, but continue to use sunscreen with it;

n Perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early, when its most treatable, and see a dermatologist if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding.

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