Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Information provided by Freedom Health Inc.

Florida is the Sunshine State and we are lucky to enjoy sunny weather year-round. Healthy skin is not the one that looks tanned. On the contrary, it is the skin that is more protected from the damaging UV rays. Enjoy our beautiful beaches, springs, and state parks while protecting from the sun. Pay attention to changes in your skin and talk to your doctor.

The American Academy of Dermatology has declared skin cancer as the most common cancer in the United States. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day. When found early is highly treatable.

What can you do to protect your skin?
Exposure to the sun’s potent UV rays is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Protect your skin by:
. Seeking shade.

. Wearing a wide-brim hat that covers your ears and neck area.

. Wearing sunglasses.

. Wearing sun-protective clothing, like the ones made for fishermen.

. Applying sunscreen to all your skin not covered by clothing.

. Applying sunscreen to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.

. Never use tanning beds or sunlamps.

Sunscreen is one of the main elements to avoid sun damage. We understand that buying sunscreen can be confusing, there are several options in the market at different price ranges with and without tint or fragrance. Keep in mind these 2 main types of sunscreens:

. Physical Sunscreen: This sunscreen works like a shield; it sits on the surface of your skin, deflecting the sun’s rays. Look for the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Opt for this sunscreen if you have sensitive skin. It is also known as mineral sunscreen.

. Chemical sunscreen: This sunscreen works as a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. Look for one or more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate. This formulation tends to be easier to rub into the skin without leaving a white residue.

If it’s broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and has an SPF of 30 or higher, it can effectively protect you from the sun.

Keep in mind that the American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen that says:
. Broad Spectrum- This means a sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, both of which can cause cancer.
. SPF 30 or Higher- How well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn.
. Water resistant or very water resistant- For up to 40 or 80 minutes. Sunscreens are not waterproof or sweatproof and need to be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Remember: Make sure you reapply it every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Hint: One ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body.
For Medicare beneficiaries, check with your plan if sunscreen lotion is included in your over-the-counter items benefit. For Freedom Health members: check out our plan over-the-counter items catalog to order a sunscreen lotion. For more information check at www.FreedomHealth.com or call the number on the back of your ID card.

Check your own skin.
People of all colors, including those with brown and black skin, get skin cancer. Even if you never sunburn, you can get skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with dark complexions are less likely to get cancer than those with lighter complexions. Performing monthly skin self-exams can help you find cancer early when a cure is likely.

Do a full body exam of your skin using a full-length mirror and a partner or a handheld mirror every month. Look at your skin from head to toe by examining hard-to-see areas like the top of your head and back. Check places that get little sun like the bottoms of your feet, toenails, lower legs, groin, and buttocks. If you have questions about areas on your skin that have changed appearance, please talk to your doctor.

Source of information: American Academy of Dermatology

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