We are all so glad that Spring is here and summer will be upon us before we know it! After this long, cold & snowy Indiana winter, everyone wants to get out and enjoy the warmer temps and sunny days. But we’ve got to be smart when it comes to the sun! Because of my stupidity during my younger days (I was a sun worshiper and lathered up with baby oil or with no skin protection–you get the picture), as an adult I’ve had to deal with MELANOMA and it is not fun!
May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and it’s a great reminder that we all need to take care of our skin all year long. #GetNaked! is the new campaign of the Melanoma Research Foundation. This is meant to encourage everyone to do skin checks. It’s estimated that almost 80,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year — that’s scary! And note: there is no such thing as a safe tan. Tanned skin is a result of damaged skin cells! EEEKKK! I didn’t know that; did you?!
So what can one do to safely enjoy fun in the sun?
*Wear a minimum of SPF 30 and broad spectrum sunscreen every day! Broad spectrum sunscreen protects us from both harmful UVA & UVB rays, helping to avoid sunburn, skin cancer ad premature aging!
*Do a self head-to-toe skin check monthly (for abnormal shaped moles, lesions/bumps that don’t go away, etc.) and have a loved one check your back and your head!
*Ball caps and big, wide-brimmed hats are great head coverage but do lather sunscreen on your neck, ears and shoulders.
*As for sunscreen coverage for swimming or heavy-sweating activities, know that the best sunscreens are only good for 40-80 minutes of coverage. Labels must tell us if sunscreens are water-resistant and for how long.
*For the best skin protection, make sure your skin is dry before applying sunscreen and remember to apply more product when the label instructions tell you to do so.
When I’m at the beach or even just enjoying warmer days outside, I am covered from head to toe. I’m not dressed like a mummy, but I am covered with a hat, a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. If I’m resting on the beach you’ll find me under a BIG umbrella, I’ll have a towel over my legs & feet and will be well-lathered up!
Go to melanoma.org for more tips on sun screen and skin protection. You CAN enjoy warm, sunny days if you are smart and protect your skin.
