Sun Safety
Excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, as well as UV rays from artificial sources, causes most known skin cancers. The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented. Before we spend time in the sun, you can learn how to protect your skin.
What are the effects of UV radiation?
- Short-term: sunburn and tanning.
- Long-term: wrinkles, dark patches, prematurely aged skin, loss of skin elasticity, skin changes, and skin cancers. Other effects include increased risk for cataracts and other eye problems.
How can I protect my skin from UV rays?
- Limit sun exposure between 10AM and 4PM . If you have to spend time outside during these hours, protect your skin. Note that sun rays can pass through water. Snow and sand reflect sunlight, increasing the UV radiation that your skin is exposed to.
- Cover your skin. Preferably, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts made of tightly woven, lightweight, and comfortable fabrics. Dark color clothing provides more protection than light colored.
- Sport a hat. Wear a hat that has a 2 to 3 inch brim all around it to protect skin areas often exposed to the sun. Note that a baseball cap does not protect the back of the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop.
- Apply sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply the sunscreen properly, paying especial attention to face, ears, hands, and arms. Apply the sunscreen generously to dry skin 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to let the chemicals have time to absorb into your skin. Use lip balm with sunscreen. Reapply every few hours or more often if you are swimming or heavily sweating.
- Wear sunglasses that protect against UV rays. Look for sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation or have UV absorption up to 400 nm.
- Avoid tanning beds and/or lamps. Tanning beds can be harmful because they release rays.
Adapted from the American Cancer Society’s Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.
Where can you go for help?
Campus Experts
Student Health Services, 314.935.6666. Call to schedule an appointment with a health care professional to talk about any skin concerns.
On-Line Resources
How can you learn more?
Professional
For brochures and other resources, visit Health Promotion Services. To request a program, contact Melissa Ruwitch by calling 314.935.7139.
