June brings the fun, heat, and sun. Summer officially begins on June 21st as the longest day of the year, but you don't have to wait until then to take preventative steps to protect your skin. The National Council on Skin Cancer prevention named May 27th, 2022 as Don’t Fry Day a day to encourage sun safety as the summer season starts.
Limiting sun exposure not only helps prevent premature aging, but it helps to prevent skin cancer caused by sun damage.
All skin regardless of color or pigmentation can be damaged by the sun. Fairer skin tones have less pigment. With less melanin than darker skin tones, it is easier for UV rays to penetrate the cells and damage the DNA. Skin with more melanin has the ability to absorb most sun rays before it damages the DNA of the cell. Just because darker skin doesn’t burn as easily as fair skin tones, doesn't mean that they shouldn't be taking preventative measures with their skin. Damaged DNA changes the structure and growth of new cells. The overabundance of compromised cells becomes cancerous.
Although darker skin tones do not burn as easily, sun damage still happens. That is why all skin needs added protection in the form of sunscreen It helps the skin to have a barrier that keeps UV rays from penetrating the cells.
Does the ability to absorb the sun mean a lessened risk of skin cancer?
There is a higher prevalence of skin cancer in fairer skin tones. However, in people of color, those that are diagnosed with skin cancer are more likely to die from it. This is attributed to the fact many don't get their diagnosis until the skin cancer is at a late stage. It is likely that many patients with darker skin don’t catch it until it's too late because they have the assumption they can’t get skin cancer due to a lessened ability to burn. It is always important for people of all skin types to have a yearly skin check to screen for potential skin issues.
Here is how you can keep your skin safe and healthy moving into the summer season.
If possible, stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 M -2pm when the sun rays are at their strongest.
Cover skin with protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, The sun’s rays can damage the eyes too!
Use a sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF and if outside for an extended period, reapply every two hours.
If it's a day of fun in the water, make sure you are using a waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen.
At Phil’s Beter, we always want your skin to be it's healthiest and best. When it comes to sun and time outdoors prevention and safety are key. Use the proper sunscreen when exposed to the sun and for all your natural skin care needs, Phil’s Better has you covered.