Thinking about that summer tan?
Maybe you are planning to hit the tanning bed so you get an even tan that looks really nice.
Well, the true story is that getting a sun tan or burn means you could be damaging your skin, which can put you at risk for skin cancer and speed up the aging process. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to think ahead about summer sun safety.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are invisible radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds and sun lamps.
Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. And even on cloudy days, UV rays can reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand and snow. So, what’s a good Nebraskan to do when the outdoors are calling?
Even when you are sitting in the shade, it’s a good idea to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing outside. Another good idea is wearing a wide brim hat. If you wear a baseball cap, make sure to protect your ears and the back of the neck with sunscreen.
Sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. And, let’s face it, they come in a variety of styles to make you look awesome! If you don’t want to wear long sleeves as recommended, you should opt for sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher, and reapply it when in the sun for more than two hours.
There’s a long list of ways to protect your skin, and many of us have heard them from our mothers repeatedly. But using sunscreen, staying in the shade and all of those things is much better than getting skin cancer later in life.
So, if you wanna get that golden tan, you might consider using a self-tanning product rather than using tanning beds or spending too much time outside without sunscreen.
Good luck and stay safe this summer.
