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This post was written by Katherine Brown, PharmD, Parkview Health.

As we head into the summer months and the temperature warms up, our skin is more likely to be directly exposed to the heat of the sun. While spending time outside is a wonderful way to get physical activity and increase vitamin D, too much exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. There are many ways to protect your skin from these risks while still being able to enjoy summer’s splendor.

The sun gives off ultraviolet light, often called UV rays. These rays are not visible, and also come from tanning beds and sunlamps. If your skin gets exposed to significant UV rays over your lifetime, it causes skin damage that leads to skin cancer.

Two specific kinds of UV rays contribute to cancer risk:

UV rays go through clouds, even in cool weather, and can reflect off water, cement, sand and snow. This means you are at risk even in the winter! In the United States, UV rays are usually strongest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time.

There are multiple ways you can reduce your risk of skin cancer from exposure to UV rays:

The FDA regulates sunscreen to meet certain standards for skin protection. Broad spectrum sunscreens will protect you from both UVA and UVB. Not all sunscreens are broad spectrum so be sure to check the label.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well the sunscreen will protect you. It compares how much sun radiation is needed to make a sunburn on protected skin compared to unprotected skin. The higher the number, the better the protection. An SPF of at least 15 will provide appropriate sun protection.

There are two types of ways sunscreen can protect you:

Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun. This includes ears, nose, lips, back of the neck, hands, tops of feet, along the hairline, and other areas of the head not covered by hair. Apply to skin 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating (don’t be fooled by “waterproof” or “water-resistant” sunscreen, as these can still wear off as soon as 40 minutes after application).

Sunscreen is not recommended for children younger than 6 months old. Please utilize other methods of skin protection.

Despite proper protective measures, it is still possible to get a sunburn, especially if you have fair skin. Follow these guidelines for treating a sunburn:

Some sunburns can be severe enough that they shouldn’t be treated at home. Seek additional help from an urgent care or the emergency room if any of the following occur:

Use your local pharmacist as a resource to decide whether you should seek additional medical care.

Skin Cancer: Sun Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Food and Drug Administration

UV Radiation & Your Skin. Skin Cancer Foundation

How to Treat Sunburn. American Academy of Dermatology

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