Summer is beckoning us to enjoy the warm days and beautiful sunshine.

Although the sun can cause long-term damage to our skin, cause premature aging and the potential for skin cancer, the sun also benefit our health.

If you take sun safety precautions, you can enjoy the benefits. The upside to the glorious sunshine is a boost in our serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain. It helps to promote Vitamin D, which is a crucial component for strong and healthy bones and is also considered a part of a healthy immune system.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States It is so prevalent that it is estimated that one-in-five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

The most common types are basal cell and squamous cell with melanoma a less frequent diagnosis.

Sunburns in the early years of youth and adolescence may not appear in the form of skin cancer for 20 to 30 years later. Skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of skin color, but it is more prevalent in caucasian individuals, especially those with fair complexions.

The sun isn’t the only reason people can develop skin cancer. Excessive use of tanning beds also increases the risk of skin cancer.

Adults must be proactive in the prevention of sunburn for themselves as well as their children with a good sunscreen. People tan because the sun causes the skin to produce more melanin and darken. The peak hours for strong sun rays are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

It can be a daunting task to select the right sunscreen with many available products. Wearing a good sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from ultraviolet rays, also known as UV rays.

You may notice in your weather forecast a rating for the UV level. UV Rays are electromagnetic rays present in sunlight. A high-level UV can result in sunburn in 15 to 25 minutes. A UV index registering eight to ten can put your skin at harm from unprotected exposure.

There are two categories of UV light when selecting a sunscreen. UVB causes sunburn, and UVA has long-term effects on the skin. Choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and look for an SPF factor of 30 or higher and one that carries a label for protection from UVA and UVB rays.

One application of sunscreen does not last the entire day. Many factors are to be considered, such as time of day and activities, including time in and out of water.

As a rule, it is better to apply frequent applications and wear a hat or protective clothing if you are prone to burn and avoid sun exposure at high peaks of the day.

Being conscious of any areas of your body can also aid in the early detection of skin cancers. Do not assume that a red bump is always a bug bite. Being aware of any changes in your skin is valuable for early detection and treatment. Look at your skin often and use a handheld mirror for places that may be hard to see, such as areas on your back.

A dermatologist can assess your skin for any areas that appear to be questionable.
Take the time to protect your skin. Live, love life and enjoy the sun!