Protecting Your Skin From The Brightest Star; The Sun

"damaging the skin's cellular DNA, excessive UV radiation produces genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer"

Warm temperatures, warm sun, and bright day’s, summer is definitely here! While many, enjoy these temperatures we need to be careful, being in the sun for long periods of time can cause you harm not only to your well being but to your skin as well. Few causes of sun exposure are freckles, discolored areas of the skin, wrinkles, and increases your risk for developing skin cancer.

How to prevent skin cancer

Children- babies and children are the most sensitive to sun exposure.

Proper clothing- a had and lightweight clothes that covers the arms and legs. In doing this you are protecting your baby’s skin by covering it.
Shade- get cover, especially during the peak times between 11am-4pm
Sunscreen- keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreen should be used for babies after 6 months

Adults- With sun protection the skin can somewhat repair itself. Follow these guidelines to keep your skin safe.

Apply sunscreen with a SPF greater than 30 and apply 15 minutes prior to sun exposure
Select clothing that offers UV protection, UV is the sun’s ultraviolet rays
Avoid sun exposure during peak times 11am-4pm
Instill skin cancer prevention habits to your children

Know the symptoms

Change of skin, a new mole, skin lesion, or a change in an existing mole
Basal cell carcinoma- appear as a small, pearly, or waxy bump on the face, ears, and neck. It can also appear as a flat, pink/red or brown colored lesion on the arms and legs
Squamous carcinoma- appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough lesion that may itch, bleed, and become crusty. Both Basal and Squamous appear in areas of the skin that is frequently exposed to the sun