School is back in session, football is back on TV, and the days are getting shorter! It may feel like summer is over, but if you are spending any time outside you still need to consider sun safety. Sun exposure is a risk factor for skin cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the U.S. but in most cases it can be prevented.
Did you know that ultraviolet rays from the sun can damage your skin in at little as 15 minutes? You do not have to avoid the sun completely, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
The CDC recommends the following options for sun safety:
Wear a hat and sunglasses, apply sunscreen, and protect your skin with clothing such as long sleeves and pants.
A word on sunscreen: not all products are created equal. You should look for a product with at least 30 spf. SPF is the level of protect a product provides against UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn. SPF 30 sunscreens filter out 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 filters out about 98%.
So the next time you know you’re going to spend more than 15 minutes outside, consider taking sun safety precautions!