With summer in full swing, understanding how to protect our skin while enjoying the sun is crucial. There are an estimated 5.4 million new cases of skin cancer each year. Balancing the enjoyment of soaking up summer rays with prioritizing skin health ensures you can make the most of your summer plans without compromising your skin’s well-being. This week on Fox 17, Dr. Bitner discusses the effects of excessive sun exposure on our skin and offers health-conscious habits to keep you safe this summer.

Fact #1

Sunlight contains UVA and UVB energy. The majority of sunlight is UVB, which is responsible for activating vitamin D. This process is essential for calcium absorption from food and supplements and for maintaining healthy bones. However, it’s important to remember that UVB also causes sunburn. UVA penetrates deeper into our skin and is responsible for skin aging. 

Fact #2

Too much sun exposure can lead to:

• Sunburn: This can be painful and increases your long-term risk for skin cancer.
• Photoaging or wrinkles and thick skin
• Increased risk for all types of skin cancer
• Increased risk of basal cell and squamous cell cancer

Incorporating healthy habits like limiting sun exposure during peak UV times, wearing clothing to cover your skin, and applying sunscreen regularly can help you limit the negative side effects of too much sun exposure. 

Fact #3

Skin checks are important. When evaluating spots on your skin, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you see signs of:

• Asymmetry
• Jagged Borders
• Consistency is multi-colored
• The diameter of the mole appears large (6 mm is the cutoff)
• The spot has changed over time

By performing regular self-skin checks and scheduling yearly dermatologist visits, you can detect skin abnormalities or potential sources of skin cancer early, increasing your treatment options and improving outcomes.

Fact #4

Use sunscreen! Sunscreen contains minerals such as titanium or zinc oxide, which absorb UVA and UVB energy and turn it into heat. Sunscreen is rated by the amount of sun energy it blocks. For example, an SPF 50 allows for 1/50th of the sun’s energy to be absorbed in your skin. It’s important to find a sunscreen you like and to make putting it on every day a habit. Regardless of skin tone and how the sun appears to affect you initially, applying sunscreen is critical to protect all skin types.

Patient Story:

Jane, 45, had a family history of melanoma and was concerned about her skin health. She knew getting sun was important for bone health but did not want to increase her risk for cancer. At her next doctor appointment, Jane brought up her concerns about skin health and asked how to protect it.  

Her doctor explained how different skin types absorb vitamin D outdoors and how location can affect sun exposure. Her HCP also shared that a daily dose of vitamin D is about 2000 IU per day, which she would get in Michigan if she were outside with bare arms and legs for 10 minutes during the summer. With this information, Jane was still worried about her risk for skin cancer. Her doctor recommended that she get yearly skin checks with her dermatologist and a mineral sunscreen to apply daily and reapply if out in the sun for an extended time.

Jane felt better after visiting her doctor. She scheduled a skin check-up appointment and incorporated sunscreen application into her daily routine. Jane felt better educated about how sun exposure could affect her and equipped to protect her skin while still enjoying the sun.

Takeaway Tip:

To enjoy the sunshine and stay safe, know your skin type, know the UV Index in your location, have a sunscreen you will apply daily, and get annual skin checks. Being aware of your sun exposure and taking a proactive stance on your skin health will allow you to enjoy the sun without worry.

Watch the full segment here