Why Doesn’t the Sun Come with a Warning Label?

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and if sunshine came in a bottle, the FDA would probably have a few things to say about it.

WARNING: May cause premature aging, wrinkles, brown spots, leathery skin, precancerous growths, skin cancer, Mohs surgery, surgical scars, eye damage, and a lifelong search for shade.

Thankfully, unlike most warning labels, this one comes with simple directions for safer use.

Step 1: Choose Your Sunscreen Wisely

A lot of you already wear sunscreen. That’s great. But are you wearing it strategically?

Start by checking the label. If that tanning oil looks like the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon but has an SPF of 6, put it right back on the shelf. While you may prefer an oil over a lotion, it simply isn’t providing enough protection to do your skin many favors.

Instead, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Better yet, aim even higher if you’ll be spending extended time outdoors. Sunscreens are available in lotions, sprays, sticks, and mists, so there’s a formula for just about everyone. If you’re swimming, exercising, or working outside, look for one that is water resistant and remember to reapply every two hours, or sooner after swimming or heavy sweating.

Step 2: Dress the Part

Protective clothing is one of the easiest ways to reduce your UV exposure. Or, as we like to think of it, a great excuse to buy something cute.

Picture your next day at the lake or pool. Your nine-month-old is wearing an adorable long-sleeve swim shirt and a stylish little UPF-rated bucket hat, ready to jump into Dad’s arms. Mom and Dad are sporting matching swim shirts, everyone is smiling, and the whole family is protected before the sunscreen bottle even comes out.

Look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. It blocks harmful UV rays and protects large areas of skin without having to remember to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. Best of all, today’s sun-protective clothing comes in styles you’ll actually want to wear.

Step 3: Don’t Forget the Forgotten Zones

Most of us remember our face, shoulders, and back. It’s the “forgotten zones” that get us into trouble.

The backs of your hands, ears, scalp, and feet are some of the most commonly overlooked places when applying sunscreen—and some of the most common places dermatologists diagnose skin cancer.

Your hands spend all summer driving, gardening, golfing, and mowing the lawn in the sun. Your ears are part of your face, the number one location for skin cancer. And while your feet don’t see the sun every day, they can burn quickly at the pool or beach and are an important place to check for melanoma during your monthly skin self-exam. Don’t forget to look between your toes.

Sometimes the easiest way to prevent skin cancer is simply remembering the spots you’re most likely to forget.

Step 4: Is the Tanning Bed Still Cool?

Here’s a thought…is anyone really impressed by a tanning bed anymore?

When today’s bronzing drops can be mixed into your favorite moisturizer for a natural-looking kiss of sun, why choose a tan that literally comes from damaging your skin?

The question isn’t whether you want a little color. It’s how you get it. Do you want a “fake baked” tan that eventually looks like damaged skin, or a healthy-looking glow that gives your complexion just the right touch of color?

We’ll take modern bronzers every time.

Meet Our Recommended Sunscreens

Ready to give your skin the protection it deserves? Midwest Dermatology offers a carefully selected collection of dermatologist-approved, professional-grade sunscreens for every skin type and lifestyle, including mineral formulas, tinted options, sport sunscreens, and products designed specifically for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Visit our online store to explore our favorite sun protection products and find the sunscreen that’s right for you.

No warning label required. Just smart sun habits and a dermatologist who knows what to look for. If it’s time for your annual skin cancer screening or you have a spot that concerns you, schedule an appointment at midwestderm.com or call (402) 933-0800.