The Complete Guide to Sun Safety

With beach days and outdoor barbecues on the horizon, it's time to remind yourself how to properly protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. UV radiation from the sun can contribute to premature skin aging as well as some types of skin cancer. Some types of skin cancer, such as melanoma, can be fatal in some cases. In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 87,110, about 2017 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States, of which about 9,730 people will die from this condition. Challenge yourself this year (and every year after) to stay safe in the sun. Ahead, we'll cover the risks associated with melanoma, as well as the sun protection measures you need to take. 

WHO IS RISK?

Every. No one - we repeat, no one - is immune from melanoma or any other skin cancer, for that matter. However, according to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is more than 20 times more common in whites than African Americans. In addition, the risk of developing melanoma increases with age: the median age at diagnosis is 63 years. However, people under the age of 30 often suffer. In fact, melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in women aged 15-29. What's more, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with more than 50 moles, atypical moles, or large moles are at an increased risk of developing melanoma, as are people with fair skin and freckles. 

RISK FACTORS

1. Exposure to natural and artificial ultraviolet light.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation—whether from the sun, tanning beds, or both—is a risk factor not only for melanoma, but for all skin cancers. Eliminating this risk factor alone could help prevent more than three million cases of skin cancer each year, according to the AAD.

2. Increased sun exposure during childhood and throughout life.

Was your childhood filled with long beach days in the sun? If your skin hasn't been properly protected and you've suffered from sunburn, your chances of developing melanoma may be higher. Even one severe sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double a person's chances of developing melanoma, according to the AAD. In addition, melanoma may occur more frequently in people over 65 years of age due to their lifetime exposure to UV radiation.

3. Solarium exposure

Bronze skin can complement your facial features, but achieving that with an indoor tanning bed is a terrible idea. The AAD warns that tanning beds increase the risk of melanoma, especially in women aged 45 and younger. No matter how you slice it, temporarily sunburned skin is never worth getting melanoma.

4. Family history of skin cancer

Have you had skin cancer in your family? The AAD states that people with a family history of melanoma or skin cancer are at an increased risk of developing melanoma.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

1. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen

The safest way to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer? Protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure you apply the right amount of sunscreen and reapply at least every two hours. Reapply sooner if you sweat or swim. Lucky for you, we have several sunscreens filtered by skin type!

2. Avoid tanning beds

If you're addicted to tanning beds or sunlamps - sources of artificial ultraviolet radiation - it's time to get rid of this bad habit. Instead, opt for self-tanning products for a bronzed glow. Don't worry, we've got you covered here too. We share our favorite self tanners here!

3. Book a skin check with your dermatologist.

The AAD encourages everyone to have regular self-examinations of their skin and check for signs of skin cancer. Visit a board-certified dermatologist at least once a year for a more thorough and thorough skin scan. Watch for any change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other skin lesion, a growth on the skin, or a sore that won't heal. If something looks suspicious, visit a dermatologist immediately.