We are finally in the midst of summer! Summer fun can mean backyard barbecues, family road trips, and a relaxing day at the beach or sitting poolside. But with summer fun comes the summer sun and as we’ve seen with the constant heat and UV advisories across South Florida, it’s not here to play. When it comes to skin health, the sun damage caused by UV rays can be deadly: skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. Along with that, one in three Americans will report moderate to severe sunburns this summer. The threat of the sun is real and should be taken seriously.
At Dania Dermatology, we care about you and your skin so we’ve compiled ways for you to help take care of your skin and prevent sun damage while you’re on the water and having summer fun. If you’re looking for ways to exercise sun safety, then keep reading.
Sun Safety 101: Apply (and Re-Apply) Sunscreen
Everyone knows about sunscreen and most people apply it. But, when it comes to utilizing sunscreen effectively, you must reapply it. Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours. This is because most sunscreens help your skin by creating a chemical barrier that helps negate the harmful effects of UV rays. Over time, sweat, water, and other factors can break down that barrier and make your sunscreen less effective.
Reapplying, especially if you’re outside for most of the day, is crucial to getting the most out of your protective skin products. You may need to reapply more frequently if you’re swimming, surfing, or playing outdoor sports that build up a sweat and may cause the sunscreen to wear away quicker. Also, make sure to still use sunscreen even if it is cloudy outside.
Stay Hydrated
Though you may already know the health benefits of being properly hydrated, it may not seem obvious how having enough water can help with sun damage while on the water. The hot summer sun makes temperature regulation difficult, which increases your risks of heat-related health emergencies like heat stroke. Thankfully your body has natural way to help it cool down, primarily through sweating. Without proper hydration, your body is deprived of a vital method of keeping you, and your skin, cool.
Dehydration causes the body to redirect available liquid to vital organs, causing the skin to dry out and increasing your vulnerability to serious UV damage. Skin that has already been sun damaged also loses moisture more quickly, compounding the issue further. So, if you’re planning to be out on the water for a day of fun, make sure you have plenty of water to offset the dehydrating effects of the sun, heat, or certain libations.
Want More Help In Keeping Your Skin Safe This Summer?
Let Dr. Stanley Skopit and the rest of the team at Dania Dermatology help! When you’re out in the sun this summer, we want you to be focused on the fun, so let us worry about your skin and its health. At Dania Dermatology, we provide cosmetic treatments for sun damage and can help with skin cancer detection. Give us a call today at 954-807-9433!