If you are headed outdoors to play sports or just to relax in the park or go for a walk, it’s important to take precautions. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure during outdoor play can contribute to premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer, even among when you may feel protected by short outings or staying mostly in shaded areas.
Banu Farabi, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, offers five tips for staying safe in the sun.
“Combining prevention with early detection offers the best protection. Protecting your skin during outdoor activities helps minimize UV damage. Be sure and get regular skin screenings too. As with all cancers, early detection of skin cancer is key to effective treatment,” she says. “Sunscreen, regular self-monitoring and dermatologist visits are habits that lay the groundwork for long-term skin health.
- Broad-Spectrum, Water-Resistant Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Sunscreen is always your first line of defense. It’s important to choose a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, and more frequently if you’re sweating. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin—don’t forget often-missed areas like the ears, neck, and the backs of your hands. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
- UPF Clothing
If you prefer not to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, wearing Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing is one option. A shirt with UPF 50 blocks about 98 percent of UV rays. Athletic wear made from tightly woven fabrics like polyester or nylon offers great natural protection. Darker colors tend to block more UV light than lighter ones.
- SPF Lip Balm
Your lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your skin. “I often see patients who are surprised to learn skin cancer can develop on the lips,” says Dr. Farabi. “Using an SPF 30 or higher lip balm is a small step that makes a big difference.” Reapply during the day, especially after eating or drinking.
- Protective Hat
A hat shields your face, scalp, and neck—areas that can be difficult to protect yourself with sunscreen alone. Bucket hats or wide-brim styles provide the most coverage. If you prefer a cap, it will help to have UPF-rated fabric. Avoid loosely woven straw hats, which let UV light through.
- UV-Blocking Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a necessity. UV rays can damage your eyes and contribute to cataracts and eyelid skin cancer. Choose lenses labeled for 100 percent UVA/UVB protection to keep your vision safe while reducing glare.