3 sun-smart strategies to protect and save your skin Avoid the midday sun as much as possible. Structure your day to limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are most intense. “A simple way is to push your activities to the end of the day,” Dr. Hendrickson says. “If you were to, say, mow the lawn in the late afternoon, you’d automatically get significantly fewer UV rays.” Also: » Seek shade whenever you can. Did you know that you can buy a shade-making canopy for your riding lawn mower? Google it! » Cover up. A widebrimmed hat will shade your head and neck. “I also recommend long pants and long-sleeved shirts,” Dr. Hendrickson says. “I see so much skin cancer on the forearms. And when you’re riding a mower, your thighs are 90 degrees to the sun.” » Worried you’ll overheat? Clothing made of light, UVblocking materials— such as materials with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 50—actually keeps you cool and comfortable while wicking away sweat too. Make a habit of regularly checking your skin. Consider doing this when you bathe. Tell your doctor about any new or changing moles or spots. Skin cancer is easier to treat and less likely to be disfiguring or potentially fatal when caught early. Get screened for skin cancer. Have a doctor check your skin once a year. “It’s just that important ,” Dr. Hendrickson says. The sun is shining, and you don’t want to stay indoors on a gorgeous summer day—and you shouldn’t. But you need to know how to protect your skin from the ultraviolet (UV) rays that raise your risk for melanoma and other skin cancers. Start with these three ideas and friendly reminders from Butler Health System dermatologist Chad S. Hendrickson, MD: Chad S. Hendrickson, MD Dermatology 833-604-7212 Avoid the sun Check your skin SKIN CANCER Use enough sunscreen. That’s about a shot glass full to cover your exposed skin. Choose a broad-spectrum product (blocks UVA and UVB rays) that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. Apply it 20 minutes before you go outside, and reapply every two hours. Don’t be deterred by recent sunscreen concerns. Researchers are investigating potential safety concerns around chemical sunscreens. “But right now, you can use sunscreens containing zinc or titanium,” Dr. Hendrickson says. “They are not chemical sunscreens and are not absorbed into the bloodstream, and they’re generally regarded as safe and effective by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.” Use sunscreen ButlerHealthSystem.org | 3
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