Simple tips for protecting your skin
Spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of an Indiana summer. Whether you're playing sports, heading to the beach or just walking to class, the sun feels great. But too much sun can be dangerous.
Sunburns, skin damage and skin cancer are real risks. The good news is that protecting your skin is easy if you take a few simple steps.
The most important step is to wear sunscreen. Sunscreen helps block harmful rays from the sun called ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days. UV rays come in two main types: UVA, which causes aging and wrinkles, and UVB, which causes sunburns. A good sunscreen protects you from both. Look for one labeled “broad-spectrum,” which means it protects against both UVA and UVB.
You'll also want to check the SPF, which stands for sun protection factor. SPF tells you how well a sunscreen protects your skin. An SPF of 30 is a good starting point, but a higher number offers better protection. If you have fair skin, a history of sunburns or are outside for long periods of time, go for SPF 50 or higher.
Make sure you apply sunscreen the right way. Most people don’t use enough. You should use about a shot glass full for your whole body. Don't forget easy-to-miss spots like your ears, the back of your neck and the top of your feet. Put it on 15 to 30 minutes before going outside so it has time to soak in. Reapply every two hours – or sooner if you're sweating, swimming or wiping your face – especially if the label recommends it.
I tend to prefer mineral sunscreens. Their ingredients including zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act by physically reflecting sunlight away from your skin. Blue Lizard, CeraVe, Neutrogena and Coppertone are just a few trusted brands. Of course, sunscreen isn’t the only way to stay protected. Wear protective clothing, such as hats, sunglasses and long-sleeved shirts. Seek shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
It's also smart to check your skin regularly for signs of cancer. Look for new moles, changes in the size, shape or color of existing ones or any spots that itch, bleed or don't heal. Use a mirror or ask someone to help check hard-to-see areas, such as your back. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment to see a dermatological provider. Catching skin cancer early makes treatment much easier and more successful.
Getting a tan might seem cool now, but over time, too much sun can lead to wrinkles, dark spots and even cancer. Taking care of your skin now means healthier skin later. So whether you're going for a hike, hitting a pool party or just walking to lunch, remember sunscreen isn't just for beach days – it's for every day.
Your future self will thank you.
To book an appointment with a Powers Health dermatological provider, visit powershealth.org/find-a-doctor.
Adam Whittington, MD, is a dermatologist affiliated with Community Hospital in Munster. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University.
