I’ve Got You Under My Sunburned Skin
IF YOU EVER TRY TO persuade someone to move to Denver, you’ll more than likely mention the generous amount of sunshine we receive. Rather than a reason to move to the Mile High City and spend more time outside, all of that sun could be a good reason for you and new residents to spend more time inside. Ample sunshine and our elevation have combined to make Colorado a leading state when it comes to skin cancer, and with the summer season approaching, you’ll want to learn how to protect yourself and your skin the right way.
O’Brian Gunn
PREP BEFORE YOU STEP
When you plan on spending the day outside, be sure you wear sun-protective clothing that comes with a UPF label, which stands for “ultraviolet protection factor.” A UPF rating of at least 30 is sure to provide you with adequate protection. You should also opt for blue jeans and lighter- colored clothing that reflects sunlight. The more skin you cover, the better protected you are.
It’s also a good idea to put on sunscreen before you go outside and reapply it every two hours or more if you swim or sweat. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30, which can keep out about 97 percent of ultraviolet B rays. Keep in mind that just because you’re wearing sunscreen doesn’t mean you’re safe from the sun’s more harmful rays. Not only do you have to worry about ultraviolet A rays, which can penetrate the skin more deeply, but sunscreen only prolongs how long it takes for your skin to start burning.
FISH ARE JUMPIN’, AND THE CANCER RATES ARE HIGH
If you’re outside between the hours of 10am and 4pm, seek out some shade to stay protected or carry a sun umbrella. The sun’s rays are the angriest and strongest during these hours, and it’s best that you plan your yardwork and exercise either early in the morning or during the afternoon. For those times when you’re exposed to the sun, grab some shade whenever you feel or see your skin getting red.
GET OUT OF THAT BED!
Not even your beloved tanning bed is safe from the sun’s cancerous wrath. Some of the new sunlamps tanning salons use actually give off more UV rays than the sun. Overexposure can damage and mutate your DNA, and that rich tan you love is just your skin attempting to prevent further damage.
If it’s vitamin D you need, there are more and healthier sources than the sun. Try taking a supplement or eating fish, fortified milk, or a glass of liquid sunshine (orange juice) to get your fix.
CHECK YOURSELF
Examine every inch of your skin once a month for signs of skin cancer. Inspect your body in a full-length mirror, making sure you check your nails, elbows, hands, torso, underarms, and trunk. To check your back and other difficult-to- see areas, turn your back to the mirror and use a hand mirror. Potential signs of cancer include:
• Open sores that don’t heal.
• Skin growths, beauty marks, moles, and brown spots that appear after the age of 21, increase in size, change color, or change in texture.
There’s nothing like the feeling and warmth of the sun on your skin, but that sensation can come at a potentially deadly price. Protect yourself and your health and use caution when having fun in the sun this Pride season.
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