Did you know that every hour, one American dies of melanoma? Despite this alarming statistic, many men and women still choose to expose their skin to harmful UVA and UVB radiation without putting any sun protection on. It’s not only the beach goers and pool-side sun bathers that put themselves at risk. Tanning salons are said to be even more dangerous than outdoor tanning. People who tan at tanning salons are 74 percent more likely to develop skin cancer than those who only tan outdoors. That is an alarming statistic! Although family history, genetics, and the environment contribute to melanoma and other skin cancers, the largest risk factor continues to be exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays from natural or artificial sources, such as sunlight and indoor tanning beds.
Additionally, despite what some people may believe, harmful UV rays does not have a preference when it comes to skin color. Compared to Caucasian women, Latina and African-American women are less likely to wear sunscreen on a daily basis because of the false belief that darker skin is at low risk for melanoma.
With this information in mind, Choose Skin Health by Neutrogena and I want to share some helpful information to keep you and your family safe this summer.
Keeping Your Children Safe in The Sun
Using a good sunscreen for your children is super important. Sunscreen blocks the harmful UV rays and reduces your child’s chances of getting a sunburn. Sunburns are on of the risk factors for causing melanoma. Rosy cheeks can look cute on a little one but every time skin gets burnt, you put your child at an increased risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. It just takes one bad sunburn as a child to double your chances of developing melanoma as an adult. According to Melanoma.org, “[m]elanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25 to 29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15 to 29 years old.” The American Cancer Society recommends that people use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 but avoid using a sunscreen higher than 50. You can also purchase swimsuits that have SPF protection in them for some added protection.
Keeping Yourself Safe in the Sun
Melanoma.org also tells us that the older you get, the more at risk you are for getting melanoma. Too much sun also causes your skin to look older, dry, and unnatural. Just like for children, you should wear sunscreen daily with an SPF of at least 15. I use a daily moisturizer on my face that has a sunscreen in it. When I’m at the pool with the kids, I usually wear something stronger or I grab one of my favorite hats to keep my face protected.
To find a free sun screening location near you, click here.
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Disclosure: I was compensated for this post in collaboration with Neutrogena and Latina Bloggers Connect.
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