As we head closer to fall and trade in our flip-flops for boots, you may think it’s also time to pack away your sunscreen. However, protecting your skin and your health is a year-round task, and even when the weather changes, the sun can still be a significant health risk. Daily sunscreen application, along with our other top sun safety tips, can help you prevent common sun-related illnesses such as heatstroke and even skin cancer.

What is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a skincare product intended to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It can come in a lotion, cream, stick, or spray format, and should be applied over all areas of skin exposed to the sun.

But why do we need sunscreen? The sun emits two wavelengths of ultraviolet light, known as UVA and UVB, that cause skin damage not just immediately (such as with a sunburn) but also as a cumulative effect over time. UV rays from the sun are the leading cause of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States today. Additionally, sun damage causes premature skin aging and wrinkles, much of which can be prevented with adequate sun protection.

While you may not see the damage to your skin on the surface, most sun damage is not immediately visible and will often only appear months or years in the future.

The Importance of Year-Round Sun Safety

Most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen during summer, when the sun’s rays are at their most potent for much of the day. However, what you may not know is that sunscreen should ideally be worn every day, year-round, regardless of season.

When you’re bundling up for winter weather, it can seem counterintuitive to wear sunscreen, but the truth is that if the sun is up, UV radiation is still penetrating your skin. Risk of sunburn and skin damage can also be increased by sunlight reflecting off surfaces like snow, or by being at a higher altitude when skiing or snowboarding. Even on overcast days, as much as 80% of UV rays can still penetrate the cloud barrier.

What SPF Should I Use?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measurement of how well a sunscreen is able to filter out UV rays from the sun over time.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing at least SPF 30 every day, year-round, for comprehensive sun protection. Your sunscreen should also ideally be water-resistant and offer broad-spectrum protection (which protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays).

How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly

To get the SPF listed on the bottle, most adults need to apply about two tablespoons of sunscreen to fully cover their bodies.

If you’re out in the sun, you should reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating. Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before you go outside, as it takes time for the formula to absorb and offer adequate protection.

The Dangers of Tanning

Many people enjoy the appearance of tanned skin, but in reality, that golden hue is a symptom of sun damage. Unfortunately, no amount of tanning is healthy, and tanning beds in particular are a health hazard that often lead to skin cancer and premature skin aging.

If you still want the glow without the skin damage, there are many products that can emulate the look of a tan safely, including spray-on tans and self-tanning lotions.

Watch for Signs of Skin Cancer

Although you can dramatically reduce your risk of skin cancer by practicing sun safety year-round, skin cancer can sometimes still happen. For this reason, it’s important to know the signs and attend regular screening exams with your primary care physician or dermatologist.

Skin cancer primarily develops on sun-exposed areas, such as your scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, and on your arms and hands. Look for a pearly or waxy bump, a sore that either won’t heal or heals but then returns, or flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesions on your skin. Any moles that change in color, size, or texture should be examined by a doctor.

When caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable. By performing regular checks on your skin, you can ensure you receive prompt and effective treatment and prevent cancer from spreading to other areas of the body.

Be Aware of Heat and Sun-Related Illness

Sun exposure for prolonged periods can cause acute, sometimes serious illness, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you know that you’ll be outdoors for an extended time, plan ahead by staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, and of course, applying sunscreen.

Know the symptoms of heatstroke, including high core body temperature, confusion, agitation, slurred speech, delirium, an absence of sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, and racing heart rate.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that must be treated by a doctor. If you suspect that you or someone else may be experiencing heatstroke, you should seek help immediately at your nearest urgent care center or emergency department.

Remember That Sunscreen Alone Isn’t Enough

While sunscreen is a fantastic tool to protect yourself from sun damage, it isn’t enough to completely protect you on its own. You should also make use of wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing, and sunglasses with UV protection, as these help maximize your protection level and reduce your overall risk of skin cancer. Seek shade whenever possible, and try not to be in the sun for prolonged periods during peak times (typically from 12pm to 4pm each day).

Make Lincoln Urgent Care and Granite Bay Urgent Care Part of Your Sun Safety Plan

Part of staying sun-safe year-round is being prepared! Create a sun safety plan using our tips, and visit one of our urgent care centers if you feel unwell during or after sun exposure. With our caring, helpful staff and years of experience, we strive to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to all. Book online today or visit our clinic to receive immediate assessment and care!

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751
Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265