Everyone should wear sunscreen, including African-Americans. Although people with dark skin may not sunburn as easily as those with fair skin, they are still at risk of skin damage from excessive sun exposure. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand and snow.
Unprotected sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. Following are tips to prevent skin cancer.
Wear sunscreen
n The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days.
n Put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin.
n Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
n Reapply sunscreen if you are in the sun for more than two hours, after you swim or do things that make you sweat.
Clothing
n Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.
n Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears and neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through.
n Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
n Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection from the sun’s UV rays.
n If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up.
Shade
n Seek shade under an umbrella, tree or other shelter and reduce your risk of sun damage, especially during midday hours.
n Protect your skin with sunscreen or wear protective clothing even when you’re in the shade.
Information provided by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
