All of the following bullet points can be found in other articles published on this blogsite. I am including them here, altogether, so you can have these pointers all in one place.
- When in doubt about a mole or an odd-looking spot, have it checked by a dermatologist. In most cases, if it’s caught early, skin cancer can be cured.
- Annual mole-checking exams are important if you’re an outdoors person.
- Sun damage is cumulative from birth. Don’t forget to protect your children (especially babies) from sun exposure.
- The face, neck, and hands are constantly exposed throughout the year. Don’t forget to include these areas along with your ears when applying sunscreen.
- Many cars have sunroofs. Be aware that when the sun is coming through and reaching your face and body, you are acquiring sun damage.
- Sun exposure prematurely ages skin—any amount, at any age.
- Car windows (glass) block out some UVB but not any UVA light. You are not protected from the sun when sitting in your car or near a window.
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| These gals look really happy. Unfortunately, they are both getting a lot of sun exposure while simply driving in their car with the top down. |
- Any and all exposure counts. Walking to and from your car, sunburns you got as a kid, driving around in your convertible, or driving with the sunroof open. All exposure counts no matter how you get it.
- Although each wavelength of ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) causes its own set of reactions on top of and within the skin, they both can give you a tan and they both can cause cancer. Be sure to always wear a full- or broad-spectrum sunscreen.
- When it comes to wearing and/or reapplying sunscreen, it’s better to be safe than sunburned. When in doubt, REAPPLY.
- Sunscreens protect you from sunburn, but not from all sun damage.
- Be prepared. Don’t get stuck without sun protection, even on an unplanned drive to the beach or walk in the park. At least keep a hat in the trunk of your car, if not your entire Sunburn Preparedness Kit.
- There is no such thing as a “healthy” tan.
- It’s never too late to start protecting your skin from the sun.
For more information about sun protections, see:
