The sun can be harmful to your skin in many ways. Excessive and unprotected sun exposure can significantly increase your risk of not only severe sunburn but a higher chance of developing skin cancer during your lifetime. Luckily, there are a few ways to protect yourself from its harmful effects. Drs. Elizabeth Callahan and William Adams of SkinSmart Dermatology in Sarasota, FL, work routinely with patients to educate them on ways to protect the skin and keep it safe from the sun.
Below are just a few tips to consider for skin protection:
- Wear sunscreen or sunblock every day, even if it’s cloudy and regardless of how much time to plan to spend outdoors.
- Make sure to reapply a high SPF sunscreen every two hours or more often if you’re sweating, swimming, or spending extensive time outdoors.
- Cover up with clothing, including a hat, when possible.
- Seek shade whenever possible, especially during the midday hours when the sun’s rays are strongest. This is typically between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, as they emit harmful UV rays just like the sun itself. There are alternative ways to give a darker glow to your skin with over-the-counter liquid tanning creams and lotions.
By following these easy tips, you can help ensure that your skin stays healthy and protected from the harmful effects of the sun.
How do I know if I have skin cancer?
Individuals who have had sun exposure without protection in the past will want to pay close attention to their skin to look for the early signs of skin cancer. At SkinSmart Dermatology, we also recommend having annual skin cancer screenings. These are evaluations where patients are examined from head to toe to look for changing moles, new skin growths, and other areas of concern that may indicate skin cancer cells. A biopsy is done to remove a portion of the skin and evaluate it further to give patients a proper diagnosis or to rule out skin cancer in unusual or suspicious areas.
How do I find out other ways of protecting my skin?
If you are interested in learning more, call 941-308-7546 to request an appointment with the team at SkinSmart Dermatology and educate yourself further on the advantages of good sun protection each and every day!
