Summer is in full swing and temperatures across Nevada are soaring this month. With a heat dome stagnating over the western United States and temperatures easily topping 100 degrees, Nevadans should consider how best to protect their skin against the increased sun exposure.
Every year, more people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined. While the blazing hot temperatures set the stage for summer fun, it is important to remember that most skin cancer is associated with sun exposure. Knowing how to protect your skin from the sun may have a lasting impact on your health, especially in Las Vegas.
In order to help Nevadans beat the heat. Dr. Laurine Tibaldi, Chief Medical Officer of Health Plan of Nevada is breaking down the common facts and misconceptions on how to best take care of your skin this summer.
Fact: Your sunscreen should have UVA and UVB protection.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, two types of ultraviolet light are linked to skin cancer. Ultraviolet A rays are present all day and can cause skin aging and wrinkling, while Ultraviolet B rays are strongest during peak hours (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and can cause sunburns.
Myth: One application of sunscreen lasts all day.
While SPF can act as a measure of the amount of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens, there are many factors that can affect its effectiveness including solar exposure time, solar intensity, and time of day. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours throughout the day, and must be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or excessive sweating.
Myth: You should use the highest SPF possible.
You may be surprised to learn that higher SPF does not always mean better protection. You may not need anything higher than SPF 30 if you’re applying generously and often. This is because, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, SPF 30 protects against 97% of the sun’s rays, while SPF 50 increases that just a bit – to 98%.
Fact: You can get sun damage on a cloudy day.
One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting about incidental sun exposure. Your skin is still soaking up UV rays even on cloudy days or while driving with the windows down. To help protect skin in such situations put sunscreen on first thing in the morning, even if you aren’t thinking about going outside. Be consistent.
Myth: Sunscreen is better than covering up.
While sunscreen is vital and should be used, staying covered up is essential in combatting skin damage. Wear lightweight, tightly woven hats, shirts, and pants. Combine sunscreen and sun- protective clothing
