5 Top Ways to Protect Your Skin from UV Light This Summer

Summer means days at the beach, outdoor excercising, and lazy afternoons by the pool. If you're not careful, it can also mean skin damage from the sun. 

Damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause everything from a sunburn to skin cancer. They can also leave your skin looking wrinkled and leathery. The best way to keep your skin healthy is to avoid the sun altogether, but when that's not possible there are some good alternatives.

At his practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Trevan Fischer provides personalized care for a variety of skin cancers, breast cancer, and soft tissue sarcomas. He offers these five ways to protect your skin from damaging UV light this summer.

1. Apply sunscreen

While sunscreen can’t block 100% of the sun's damaging rays, it can help reduce your exposure. Choose one that offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays and that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more. 

Be sure to apply generously and then reapply every two hours — or more often if swimming or sweating. Don't forget to check the expiration date. Typically a bottle is good for at least 2-3 years, though if exposed to prolonged heat it may be less effective.

2. Make smart clothing choices

According to the John Wayne Cancer Institute, nearly all basal cell carcinomas occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun. Long sleeve shirts, pants, and skirts can help protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays. Dark colors and tightly woven clothes block more sun than lighter colors and loosely woven fabric. Shirts and pants also offer more protection when they are dry than when they are wet.

Purchasing special sun-protective clothing is another option. Look for the label's UV protection factor (UPF) number — the bigger the number, the better the blockage.

3. Wear a hat and sunglasses

Protecting your skin with clothing is a great first step, but don't forget your head and eyes. A wide brim hat makes a better choice than a baseball cap as it not only protects the face and scalp, but also the ears and neck. Fabric should be tightly woven and the brim should be at least 2-3 inches all around.

Large-framed or wrap-around sunglasses can protect your eyes and the skin around them. When purchasing a pair, make sure they block 99%-100% of UVA and UVB rays. The tag should indicate that they meet ANSI UV requirements or that they have UV absorption up to 400 nm. Sunglasses labelled "cosmetic" typically only block about 70% of UV rays.

4. Consider location and timing

Even better than sunscreen and clothing is staying out of the sun. Seek out the shade whenever possible, whether it's under a tree, umbrella, or pop-up tent.

The sun's rays are strongest between 10am-4pm, so try to go out early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Remember the sun's rays can reach you even on cloudy or hazy days. Watch out for water, sand, and snow that reflect the sun and increase the amount of UV exposure.

5. Avoid tanning beds

Many people may believe tanning beds are harmless, but that’s not true. Using one exposes you to both UVA and UVB rays that can cause premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.

While there are proactive steps you can take to avoid the sun and its UV radiation, sometimes your skin may still be affected. Whether it's a new bump, a suspicious mole, or something else on your skin that doesn't look quite right, call our office at 310-504-2548 or click to book an appointment online today to get a proper diagnosis.