Protecting your skin from the sun
Summer is almost here, and it’s better to be proactive when enjoying the sunshine. According to a Harvard Business Study, after years of enjoying the great outdoors, all activities contribute to a lifetime of exposure risk and developing skin cancer. No matter your age, it is important to limit time in the sun.
Laying out in the sun for prolonged periods can cause serious skin issues. Failing to use sunscreen and leaving your skin open and exposed to sun can result in fine lines and wrinkles on your face and decollate. More serious issues such as melanoma can occur if you don’t act now and be proactive with skin protection as well as monitoring skin lesions for changes. There are simple steps to take to reduce the risk, and important signs and symptoms to catch before they become more worrisome.
The CDC (Canadian Disease Centre) and Cancer.Net, provide some helpful tips to protect your skin while in the outdoors:
- Use sunscreen daily, even if it is cloudy.
- Apply the sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before exposure. Use 30+ SPF and apply lip balm with SPF too.
- Re-apply sun screen every two hours, and if you are swimming or sweating, every hour.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs along with a wide brimmed hat to cover your neck, ears, face and head.
- A tan does not indicate good health: avoid indoor tanning bed usage.
- Practice extra care around water and sand, reflection rays are severe.
- Limit your time in the sun between 10 A.M. – 4 P.M., this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
- Keep newborns under 6 months old always in the shade.
- Schedule regular checks with your doctor for any moles, skin tags, or worrisome skin lesions.
Book a consultation with our Registered Nurse, Nadia, to learn how you can protect your skin and help reverse the signs of aging.