Summer is just around the corner in California, which means beach days, barbecues, and long days in the sun. While we’re all eager to take advantage of the great weather, practicing sun safety is essential, especially during periods of extreme heat. Don’t get burned this summer—start planning your sun safety strategy now so you and your family can enjoy the season safely.

Why is Sun Safety Important?

Research has shown that the vast majority of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to harmful UV rays present in sunlight. Additionally, the sun is a leading cause of premature skin aging, causing wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and a “leathery” skin texture. It can also aggravate existing skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. Protecting yourself from the sun is one of the best ways to safeguard your health this summer.

Cover Up with Protective Clothing

Covering up is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun! Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your face and eyes. For daily protection, your regular clothes should be enough, but if you’re on the beach or in the water, you should wear a long-sleeved rash guard with a high UPF rating. 

Wear Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

For any areas of your body that are exposed to the sun, sunscreen is a daily must. Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, with an SPF rating of at least 30 (as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology). Make sure that you reapply at least every 2 hours, and always reapply after swimming or spending time in the water. For beach days, you may prefer to select a water-resistant sunscreen. These formulations last longer on wet skin—40 to 80 minutes, depending on the label—but remember that no sunscreen is completely waterproof, and even water-resistant sunscreens must be reapplied after swimming. 

Protect Kids, Especially Infants

Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’, especially in babies, and approximately 23% of sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Babies should be kept in the shade whenever possible and wear hats. Babies over six months can also wear mineral-based sunscreens (choose a sunscreen formulated for infants, or check with your doctor). Teach children the importance of sun safety and ways to protect themselves so they grow up with healthy habits. 

Examine Your Skin Closely

Pay attention to your skin from head to toe and perform a skin examination on yourself once a month. Note any changes, unusual spots, or discolored, misshapen moles and freckles. If you’re concerned about anything you see, visit your primary care physician or an urgent care center.

Get Vitamin D—The Sun-Safe Way!

Although sun protection is important, the sun provides vitamin D, which is important for our health. Instead of sunbathing, however, you can add vitamin D to your diet with healthy foods like fish, eggs, mushrooms, or foods fortified with vitamin D, like milk or orange juice. You can also take vitamin D supplements if you struggle to incorporate it into your diet.

Stay Hydrated and Cool to Prevent Sun-Related Illness

Sunburn and skin cancer aren’t the only dangers of spending too much time in the sun. Heatstroke is another major risk of overexposure, and as longer-lasting episodes of extreme heat take place every year in California, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and anyone who may be more vulnerable to heatstroke, such as children, the elderly, and expectant mothers. 

Give yourself regular breaks from the sun, especially at the beach or during the sun’s peak hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Seek shade, stay hydrated, and stay indoors during extreme heat waves. Pay attention to the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which include hot, dry skin; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and loss of consciousness. Anyone showing these signs should be taken to urgent care or the emergency room immediately, as heatstroke is a serious medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

Darker Skin Tones Still Need Sun Protection

Many people believe that those with darker skin don’t need to wear sunscreen or take sun precautions, but this is a harmful myth. In fact, African Americans have the lowest survival rates for melanoma of any racial group in the United States. While it’s true that darker skin tones are richer in melanin and provide some additional UV protection compared to lighter skin, sun damage and sunburns can happen to people of any skin tone. Additionally, although skin cancer occurs more often in light-skinned people, darker-skinned people are more likely to die from the disease. Sun safety is for everyone!

The Only Safe Tan is a Fake Tan

Sunbathing may be a relaxing pastime, but the truth is that tanning is a sign of skin damage. Avoid lying in direct sunlight, and don’t make tanning beds a regular part of your beauty routine. Thankfully, there are a huge variety of fake tan products on the market that provide bronzed skin without the negative effects of sun exposure. From spray tans to gradual tanning lotions, there are safe, UV-free options for every budget.

When to Visit Urgent Care for Skin Concerns

Severe sunburn is a serious health concern and should always be treated by medical professionals. Head to urgent care if your sunburn blisters, if you experience swelling, severe pain, or fever, or if you have symptoms of dehydration, like dizziness or a rapid heartbeat. In addition to sunburn, we can treat a wide range of other skin conditions, including allergic reactions, shingles, and cellulitis. 

At Lincoln Urgent Care, We Care!

With an experienced, compassionate team at the helm of our urgent care clinics, we truly care about our patients’ well-being. If you’re experiencing troubling symptoms, we’re here when you need us. Call or walk into one of our clinics today for quick access to high-quality care at affordable rates!

Lincoln Urgent Care: (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care: (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville: (916) 727-6846