It’s summer time. The sun it out and nice and warm…okay, actually it’s really HOT here in New Mexico already. Being out in the sun for even a few minutes will give your skin a quick burn. I love a good tan as much as the next person, but with the damage that it does to your skin, is it really worth not wearing sun screen? I am one of the lightest-skinned Latina’s around and love when it’s summer and I can get my nice golden-brown on. After all those years of being in the sun really increase your chance of developing melanoma.
Every hour, at least one American dies of melanoma….and that number is increasing even more in the Latino community. I know so many people that have skin that looks pretty and tanned all year round….but they are the worst about protecting themselves. I have heard from them time and time again about how they don’t need to put on sun screen because they won’t burn. Okay, you might not get red and burn…but your skin is still being damaged. You are exposing your skin to UVA and UVB radiation by not using sunscreen.
Neurtogena has launched the Choose Skin Health campaign to help raise awareness and get more people paying attention to their skin and the effects of sun. Protecting your skin from sun exposure is priority #1. There are many ways you can do that.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun. Try to stay out of the sun during peak sun hours of 10am-4pm. Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds and when you are out in the sun, try to stay in shaded areas or under tents/canopies.
- Always wear sunscreen! Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen that is SPF30 or higher each day. You should apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen 30 minutes prior to being in the sun. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours or after swimming/excessive sweating. Don’t forget to protect your eyes! Wear sunglasses that are UV-blocking.
- Cover up! Don’t forget your wide-brimmed hat and UV protective clothing when you are out in the sun for long periods of time.
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