It’s easy to forget to protect your body from the intense UV rays when you are playing beach volleyball or splashing in the ocean with friends. After all, exposure to the sun increases the brain’s release of serotonin, a hormone associated with boosting mood. However, you should consider the risks of too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Here are a few ways you can still enjoy time out in the sun without worrying about skin cancer.
Always Use Sunscreen
It shouldn’t be a surprise that wearing sunscreen when outside is crucial when it comes to protecting your skin and avoiding sunburn and damage caused by the intense UV rays. Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from damage. Not only does sunscreen protect your skin from UV rays, but it also helps prevent premature aging of the skin.
At ForCare Medical Center, we encourage patients to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 daily all year round (SPF 30 during summer months or greater sun exposure) to all exposed skin 30 minutes before sun exposure.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water each day is crucial for several reasons and is especially important when you spend hours at the beach. Hot and humid weather often causes our bodies to lose a lot of body fluids through sweat. This is when dehydration becomes a threat and you start to feel exhausted.
Staying well hydrated at the beach is important as it helps regulate body temperature and gives your body ample moisture inside and outside.
Wear a Hat and Sunglasses
According to the CDC, a great way to protect your skin is by wearing a hat with a brim all the way around your face, ears, and the back of your neck. Sunglasses also offer protection for your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts.
Limit Your Time in the Sun
It is important to plan your time at the beach. Staying all day long without protection, whether that be shade, clothing or sunscreen, can really damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
You always want to try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Plan to lather up in sunscreen and stay in the shade, if possible. If you are at a public beach, try making plans to go to a restaurant and enjoy some time in the AC.
At ForCare, we can help you take great care of your skin through education, prevention, and treatments for all types of skin conditions, including all forms of skin cancer. It is important to receive regular skin cancer screenings for early detection and to ensure the best possible treatment if ever needed.
To request a dermatology appointment with ForCare, click here or call (813) 773-2456.
