Summer’s Best Friend-Sunscreen!

Sun safety is important throughout the entire year- especially in the summer!

Skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S. The National Cancer Institute estimates there were 100,640 new cases of skin melanomas and 8,290 related deaths in 2024. In 2021, there were an estimated 1.4 million people living with melanoma of the skin in the U.S. About 6.1 million people are treated for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer, in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sunscreen is one way to protect against the rise in skin cancer rates.

How to Lower your Risk of Sunburn

• Limiting your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
• Wearing clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun, such as long-sleeve shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brim hats. Sun-protective clothing is now available. (The FDA regulates these products only if they are intended to be used for medical purposes.)
• Using broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher regularly and as directed. (Broad-spectrum sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays, two types of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.)

Sunscreen Tips & Tricks

• Apply sunscreen liberally to all uncovered skin, especially your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and lips.
• Reapply at least every two hours. Apply more often if you’re swimming or sweating. (An average-size adult or child needs at least one ounce of sunscreen, about the amount it takes to fill a shot glass, to evenly cover the body.)
• If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head or wear a hat.
• No sunscreen completely blocks UV radiation. So other protections are needed, such as protective clothing, sunglasses, and staying in the shade.
• No sunscreen is waterproof. Check the instructions on your sunscreen for information about its water resistance and reapplication instructions if you are sweating or going in the water.

Risk Factors for Sunburn

• Pale skin.
• Blond, red, or light brown hair.
• Been treated for skin cancer.
• A family member who has had skin cancer.
• If you take medications, ask your health care professional about sun-care precautions. Some medications may increase sun sensitivity. Even on an overcast day, up to 80%of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible.

BluMine Health has got you covered on skin check’s. Call your local clinic today for a comprehensive skin exam, and be sure to always wear your sunscreen!

Source: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses