Summer is the time of year that hospitals report the highest incidences of skin cancer. UV rays are at their strongest and many of us are outdoors during summer vacation. Here is a quick cheat sheet with all the info you really need to know about protecting your skin from sun damage. You can still go outside and enjoy the wonderful weather. Just follow a few simple precautions.
90% of skin cancers can be treated if detected in time.
Check your beauty spots everywhere once a month: face, scalp, arms, hand, torso, back and legs. 35% of skin cancers develop from pre-existing moles.
Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Choose a sunblock that ranges from SPF 30 to SPF 50.
Toweling off after a swim will remove most of your sunscreen. Be sure to reapply each time you dry off from a swim.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Opt for shade over direct exposure to sunlight.
Women develop the highest rates of skin cancer on the back of their legs. For men, it is the back.
Sunscreen comes in two forms: physical blocks and chemical.
Apply enough sunscreen to generously coat all the skin that will not be covered by clothing.
Clear sun protection sprays are ideal for reaching the top of the ears, the scalp and back of the neck.
Skin cancer can also form on the lips. To apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
The best sunscreen is the one that you will use again and again. Choose one that feels the most comfortable.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50 Plus WetForce, $49
Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray, $36
Clinique SPF30 Face Cream Hybrid, $31
Kiehl’s Activated Sun Protector Spray Lotion for Body SPF50, $36
Lancome Bienfait UV SPF 50, $37
Estee Lauder DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant & UV Defence SPF 50, $50
These sunscreens are available in Canada at select Hudson’s Bay stores and thebay.com
9 Comments
Danna Bowman
June 22, 2017 at 3:28 amNow that I’m ageing getting older I stopped my tanning addiction Takeing the Sun more seriously even tanning beds I’ve had a spot tested years back I see another speacialist next month New age Sun Spots rather a mole new skin color pigmentation appear I’ve tested years ago for ☀sun poisoning ☀ My closest friend told me I really need to read and see I’m very happy you shared this Its a reminder and I needed to have some reassurance ????
denise
June 22, 2017 at 1:35 amgreat advice: skin cancer is no joke
@momof3boysj
Nicky Jones
June 22, 2017 at 12:56 amGreat tips Dave!
Brenda Elkins
June 21, 2017 at 8:45 pmGreat information. I spend a lot of time outdoors and really appreciate information on these important products. I enjoy the fact that sun protection can also be so fragrant and luxurious.
Dianne
June 21, 2017 at 5:52 pmIt’s winter here in the Southern hemisphere, but everything in Dave’s sheet still applies here, except maybe going for a swim unless you are an iceberg (a swimmer who likes to swim when it’s very cold)!
Gail Siemko
June 21, 2017 at 1:48 pmI always look forward to your SUN-TIPS Dave. As you may recall, I too have very sensitive skin and fair complexion that burns! I am the Keeper of the Sunscreen Protection in our family. Everyone relies on my knowledge being up to the minute….And you make my job so much easier!
???? Thank you ????
@gailsiemko
Emily Mitton
June 21, 2017 at 9:15 amThis is the perfect cheat sheet!! With fair skin especially I need to always remember the sun protection step!
Linda L
June 21, 2017 at 8:11 am????????Great tips for sun protection! Excellent products! I won’t go out without using my Sunscreen. @linlett60
Diane Lauzon
June 21, 2017 at 7:45 amGreat advice here Dave. I wear sunscreen year round on my face and slather up the rest of my skin if going out into the sun in hotter weather. Sun protection is MUST and should be taken seriously. Skin cancer is on the rise and simple precautionary steps in our grooming routines in the summer can save lives.