It’s easy to forget, but the sun can cause skin issues from temporary sunburns to permanent cosmetic spots and wrinkling to life threatening skin cancer. About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with ultraviolet radiation from the sun, while 86 percent of melanoma cancers, the most deadly type, are linked to sun exposure, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
If you don’t protect your skin, your seemingly harmless summer swimming sun burns could pile up into a serious health hazard.
This sobering information doesn’t mean we should stay away from the sun altogether. The sun is also an excellent source of vitamin D, and the warm weather is a great excuse to get fresh air and stay active. Here are three ways you can enjoy the sun safely this summer:
1. Wear more clothes.
While sunscreen can help block the sun’s rays, the best way to protect your skin is to cover it.
2. Apply sunscreen.
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the sun. However, a thin layer will not provide maximum protection and decreases effectiveness by 50 percent.
3. Avoid chlorinated pools.
The chlorine in a pool can strip the protective coating that some sunscreens use to protect your skin.
4. Pay attention to your ears, hands, feet and scalp.
It’s easy to forget these spots, resulting in repetitive sunburns.
For more information on how you can detect signs of Melanoma visit the AIM at Melanoma Foundation.