Sun Safety

Though summer is in full swing, it's never to late to discuss sun safety.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and also the most preventable.

The sun produces different types of sunrays each with varying levels of strength. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the ones which can cause skin changes including wrinkles, blotchiness, sun spots and cancer.

Here are some quick tips to reduce your chance of sunburn

• Avoid being in the sun during it's peak burning hours (between 10am and 4pm)

• Use sunscreen which protects against UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays, is waterproof, and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating excessively

• Wear a wide brim hat to protect the scalp and ears from sunburn

• Check your skin regularly for any changes such as new or discolored moles and ulcerations

• If you are a fan of tanning beds and sunlamps which also produce UV rays, try to limit outdoor sun exposure and vice versa

• Don't forget the eyes! Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection

The US Environmental Protection Agency has created a daily UV index to help predict risk of exposure to UV radiation based on area code. A higher UV index calls for increased protection (think more sunscreen!).

You can calculate your own area's UV risk at UV Index

                 

And no, Kanye was not spittin the truth when he said "I'm way too black to burn from sunrays". Black people and individuals with darker skin tones DO get sunburned and DO get skin cancer. (Bob Marley died from complications of skin cancer which developed in his toe).
                 

The melanin in darker skin allows for less wrinkles and fine lines and acts as a natural protectant against UV rays. However darker skin is also more proned to uneven skin tone and discoloration with increased sun exposure. So despite what your grandmother told you about "black don't crack" it is still important to protect your skin.


So as you get ready to go the pool, beach, or rooftop day party do remember to take care of the largest organ on your body, your skin.