Sun Safety: Health & Wellness

by | Jul 28, 2025 | Health

We may be technically in the back half of summer this month, but August is a very high-risk month for skin cancer due to exposure to higher UV index levels. And it is never too late to prevent the most common cancer diagnosed worldwide. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.

UV radiation from the sun – as well as artificial means like tanning beds and sun lamps – have been declared a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the United States Department of Health & Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.

There are three types of UV radiation, categorized by wavelength: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA (aging rays) can cause sunburn, DNA cell damage in the skin and skin cancer. UVB (burning rays) causes skin damage and skin cancer and UVC doesn’t reach the earth.

Getting a “good base tan” does nothing to protect your skin from future burns, so it is VITAL to protect your skin from burning.

Staying indoors at the hottest times of the day is the easiest way. UV Index is highest between 1 to 3 p.m., so try to stay out of the sun at those times, or take extra precautions. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate the clouds.

What to Look for in a Sunscreen

  • Applied correctly, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 blocks 97 percent of damaging UVB rays. Higher numbers block only slightly more, and according to dermatologists, no sunscreen blocks 100%.
  • Look for the words “broad-spectrum protection,” which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • And you want a “water-resistant” sunscreen, which protects against sweat as well as water.
  • Sunscreens do go bad. The FDA requires that they retain their original strength for at least three years. Some sunscreens include an expiration date, if the expiration date has passed, throw away the sunscreen. If you buy a sunscreen that does not have an expiration date, write the date you bought it on the bottle so you’ll know when to throw it out.

Applying Sunscreen

  • Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors. (Tip: Put it on and then start gathering the pool/beach toys and accessories.)
  • To fully protect skin not covered by clothing, adults need at least about 1 ounce of sunscreen — roughly the amount to fill a shot glass. Depending on your body size, you may need more.
  • Don’t forget to apply it to the tops of your feet, your neck (the back of it also), your ears, if you’re bald and not wearing a hat, certainly the top of your head – and your lips. Skin cancer can also form on the lips. To protect them, apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
  • When outdoors, reapply sunscreen about every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, because wiping off the water also wipes off some of the sunscreen.
  • Sunscreen can be used on babies starting at 6 months – no younger. It should be washed off once the child is indoors. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Treating Sunburn

  • Drink lots of water (Coconut water is a healthy way to replace electrolytes.)
  • Take ibuprofen.
  • Apply an aloe vera compress on the burn for quick relief. Even better if you put the gel in the refrigerator before applying.
  • Apply calamine lotion, which also relieves discomfort, plus the zinc oxide in the lotion protects the skin.
  • Avoid using petroleum jelly or other oil-based products and topical anesthetics like benzocaine. They can trap heat and worsen a burn. Also, don’t use vinegars because their high acid content can be irritating.
  • Put a cup of oatmeal in a lukewarm (not hot) bath and soak for at least 10 minutes.
  •  Another idea: put a pack of instant oatmeal and honey in a food processor, and add a couple of tablespoons of water to make a paste; apply the paste to the burn for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.
  • Soak a washcloth in cold whole milk with ice, wringing it out, and then putting the cloth over the burned areas. Some dermatologists say the milk fat creates a soothing feeling on the skin and helps speed the healing process.

When To See a Doctor

Seek a doctor when you experience blistering, drainage, fever and chills – especially blistering. Blisters are often symptoms of second- or third-degree burns, and it’s important that you don’t pop them.