WHY PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN?

Skin cancer is very serious and very common. The cause of most skin cancers is repeated exposure to the sun and sunburns year after year. When children learn at an early age how to properly protect their skin from the sun, they are more likely to continue doing so as they grow up, reducing their risk for skin cancer. Teaching children good sun habits is similar to teaching them to wear a seatbelt in the car or a helmet while riding a bike, reinforcing healthy habits an early age.

WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE DOES SUN EXPOSURE CAUSE?

Sun exposure and sunburns are major risk factors for most skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The sun’s energy which reaches earth contains rays of visible light and invisible (ultraviolet) light. There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA and UVB. When UV rays hit the skin, they can damage skin cells, causing visible and invisible injuries. There is no such thing as safe UV rays.

UVA rays are the Aging rays that cause invisible damage to the skin. Some of the damage is reversible, but repeated exposure to UV can cause damage to skin cells that adds up o ver the years. After years of exposure, the built-up damage appears as wrinkles and age spots, and can lead to skin cancer.

UVB rays are the Burning rays that cause sunburn, a visible injury which appears just a few hours after unprotected sun exposure. In many people, UVB damage may result in a tan, which is the skin’s way of protecting itself from further injury. There is no such thing as a safe tan Freckles, which can occur in people with fair skin, are usually due to repeated sun exposure. Sunburn, suntan and freckles are signs of UV damage, and the need for sun protection.

UVB light is blocked by window glass, but UVA rays are able to pass through window glass, so people need to protect their skin everyday of the year.

Without sun protection, people who spend time in the sun tend to develop tough, leathery skin that makes them look older than their actual age.

Large freckles (“age spots”), wrinkles, and scaly growths known as actinic keratoses, which are considered early stage in development of skin cancer, can also occur after a lifetime of UV exposure.

WHICH TYPE OF SUN DAMAGE LEADS TO SKIN CANCER?

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are skin cancers that can develop in middle age and later in life, but can appear as early as the teenage years. These skin cancers are often slow growing and rarely spread to other parts of the body, but can do so. They also may cause severe damage to the surrounding skin, which could lead to possible disfigurement. Both basal and squamous cell carcinomas are very treatable when detected early.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. One person dies from melanoma every hour. Severe and repeated sunburns may be related to the development of melanoma. Melanomas can develop at any age, including children, teenagers and adults, and in people of all skin colors, even African Americans and Latinos. Melanomas can be spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal.

Tanning beds produce the kind of ultraviolet light that can cause skin cancer and premature aging.

WHEN SHOULD SUN PROTECTION BEGIN?

Sun protection should begin at infancy and continue throughout life. Damage by UV rays could become more severe with repeated exposure, so a lifelong habit of proper sun protection is important

HOW CAN I PROTECT MY CHILDREN FROM THE SUN?

• A= AWAY
  Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day.
• B= BLOCK
  Block the sun with protective clothing, seek shade, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 that provides broad-spectrum protection from ultra A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin
• C= COVER UP
  Put on clothing, such as a t-shirt, swim shirt, long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses, when possible.
• S=SPEAK OUT
  Talk to family and friends about sun protection. Seek shade whenever possible.

For infants younger than 6 months, shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect their skin. Use sunscreens on babies only if you cannot keep them out of the sun or cover their exposed skin.

Children and teens also should never use tanning beds. Talk with your children about the dangers of UV exposure from tanning of any kind.

WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN?

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. Reducing sun exposure is an easy way to reduce your risk for skin cancer.

Here’s how to Be Sun Smart

• Generously apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more to all exposed skin. “Broad-spectrum” provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protecting clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Get vitamin D safely thorough a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
• Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, seek a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

Speak out regarding the importance of sun protection. Do your part in protect others, including children, from sun damage. Show your family members how to protect their skin from the sun and reinforce this advice by protecting your skin. Talk to the school nurse, coach, camp counselor, scout leader, gym teacher and other community members about the “ABCs for Fun in the Sun.” Ask them to help you encourage others to make the simple changes that can prevent sun damage.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology.