Sun safety tips to keep you from getting burned this Summer

Summer is almost here and that sun is already getting hot! According to Skincancer.org, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer; it affects more than 58 million Americans.

Skincancer.com

Whether you are at the pool, the beach, the park or on the field, protecting your skin from the sun is imperative.

Keep your skin sun-safe this Summer with these easy steps:

1. Wear sunscreen everyday! While this tip is an obvious one, be sure to choose a quality sunscreen with broad spectrum coverage and an SPF of at least 30. Also note that “water-resistant” doesn’t mean “water-proof”! Follow the directions on your specific sunscreen on when to reapply, but best practice is to reapply after any prolonged time in the water and at least every two hours when on dry land. If you are concerned with how safe your sunscreen is for your skin, check out the EWG’s 2019 Guide to Sunscreens. Two of our personal favorites, Blue Lizard and Badger Balm score very low (which is a good thing) on this list!

2. Cover up! When you and your kids are out in the sun, dress them in a rash guard or sun shirt that has sun protection. A hat is another way to protect your face and delicate ears from getting burned! Don’t forget to protect your eyes too- choose sunglasses that protect from both UVA and UVB rays.

3. Seek shade during the middle of the day. Try your best to go out in the sun earlier and later in the day, or seek shade when the sun is the hottest, usually between 12 and 2 p.m.

4. Know your skin! Everyone’s skin is different. If you have extra fair skin that burns easily, stay under an umbrella and stay covered up at all times!

5. Stay away from tanning beds! Tanning beds can cause short and long term damage to your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. They can also prematurely cause wrinkles, and no-one wants that!

Be sure to schedule yearly skin check visits at your local dermatologist and know the signs of skin cancer! We hope to see you at the pool this Summer! Visit us at www.northjerseyaquatics.com/locations to check out our outdoor pool locations!