SPRINGFIELD, Missouri (KY3) – August is National Sun Safety Month, so when you’re out at the lake or soaking in the rays at the pool this weekend, remember to protect your skin. This involves wearing sunscreen and being conscious of how much time you spend outside. Too much fun in the sun might have disastrous repercussions.
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It’s summer, you’re out in the sun, and you want that desired sun-kissed glow, but that tan has a cost. If you’re not cautious, your perspective might quickly shift from this to this. Hannah Ruder, 23, learnt this lesson the hard way.
“I discovered this freckle on the back of my leg after shaving and it was just a small little place that occurred to be out of the usual,” Ruder explained.
SPRINGFIELD, Missouri (KY3) – August is National Sun Safety Month, so when you’re out at the lake or soaking in the rays at the pool this weekend, remember to protect your skin. This involves wearing sunscreen and being conscious of how much time you spend outside. Too much fun in the sun might have disastrous repercussions.
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It’s summer, you’re out in the sun, and you want that desired sun-kissed glow, but that tan has a cost. If you’re not cautious, your perspective might quickly shift from this to this. Hannah Ruder, 23, learnt this lesson the hard way.
“I discovered this freckle on the back of my leg after shaving and it was just a small little place that occurred to be out of the usual,” Ruder explained.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, over 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with at least one in every five developing skin cancer before the age of 70.
Skin cancer is classified into three categories. The first and most prevalent kind of cancer is basal cell carcinoma. It might resemble a persistent sore or even a pimple. The second most prevalent type of cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which can be rough and resemble a wart. Melanoma is the third and most dangerous type of cancer. It might resemble a brown or black changing mole and is extremely dangerous. Consider the ABCs to help you recognise this kind. It’s time to get it looked out if the mole is asymmetric, the border is uneven, the colour is incorrect, and the diameter varies or is larger than a pencil eraser. So, how can you avoid developing skin cancer in the first place? To begin, we must determine what is causing it.
Sun exposure, according to Dr. Michael Swann of Swann Dermatology. “It has to do with your skin type and heredity.” People with lighter skin are more vulnerable and less protected in your geographic location. “You’re more likely to acquire skin cancer if it receives a lot of sun,” he stated.
How can you tell whether you’re more vulnerable? Your skin, on the other hand, will most likely inform you.
“It’s natural for your skin to respond with redness, sensitivity, and peeling after spending a day in the sun.” “You may see that and say, wow, my skin is angry,” Dr. Swann explained.
How can we defend ourselves now that we know what’s causing it? Covering up is the most effective way. Wear a cap that covers your head and face. The usage of sunscreen is a key one. According to studies, wearing SPF 15 or above decreases a person’s chance of acquiring melanoma by 50%. Dr. Swann recommends looking for physical or mineral sunscreen that has zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and iron oxide for the best protection. Chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, seep into the skin like a sponge and are commonly used in cosmetics.
“I’ve had a lot of people, especially ladies, tell me that I have sunscreen in my makeup. That is usually always chemical sunscreen. “If you think about it, by the time you put on your makeup in the morning, you’re probably not going to get your sun until the middle of the day, and it’s already fairly worn out,” Dr. Swann stated.
The main distinction between these sorts is how they block the sun’s beams. Physical sunscreen provides the most comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause wrinkles and premature ageing, as well as sunburns and skin cancer. It has the potential to be chalky and leave a white residue. Chemical sunscreen functions as a filter and filters more UVB rays than UVA rays. It applies smoothly and leaves no obvious trace. Dr. Swann suggests covering your bases and applying directly to your skin while using either form.
“The trouble is, when you use a spray, people essentially receive nothing on their skin, so I believe it’s a Catch-22.” It’s better than nothing and incredibly handy, but I believe you need to get a fair quantity on your skin to protect yourself,” Dr. Swann added.
Finally, pay attention to the UV index provided by your local news and the national meteorological service. It will inform you how likely you are to get sunburned and how long it will take. According to the University of Iowa, anything above a six is moderate to high risk, and it may take 10-15 minutes of exposure for your skin to burn. This does not imply that you should spend the entire day hiding from the sun. You may still live your life regularly; just make wise choices.
“You simply have to make your decisions and live with them,” Dr. Swann explained.
Options that can assist you in avoiding any type of significant solar damage that might potentially land you on the operating table…or worse.
Hannah Ruder provides some tips for those looking to achieve a tan. “Humble yourself and apply sunblock.” “You can always tan later,” she explained.
According to Dr. Swann, sun-exposed regions such as the head, neck, arms, and legs are the most prevalent sites for skin cancer. Contact your local dermatologist if you suspect you have a suspicious area.
