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For Cancer Prevention Month, we’re highlighting five behaviors that prevent almost 50% of all cancers.
Did you know you need to year-round? You may think about sun safety only during the summer, when temperatures are high. But temperature doesn’t affect the strength of the sun. Radiation from the sun is what causes skin damage. Rays from the sun can damage your skin any time of year.
Living at a high elevation—like here in the Mountain West—increases the chance for skin damage. Plus, we often travel to even higher elevations for winter activities like sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, or snowboarding. This means the risk for sun damage increases.
Why do winter activities and high elevations increase the chance for sun damage?
- become stronger as you gain elevation. At 10,000 feet, UV rays are 40% stronger than at sea level.
- Just like sand or water, snow is a reflective surface. It can reflect up to 80% of UV rays from the sun. Even if you are not in direct sunlight, exposure to harmful UV rays can still cause skin damage.
- can reduce your skin’s natural sun protection and snow can decrease the effectiveness of sunscreen.
Tips to protect your skin year-round
Cover up
Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, scarves, hats, and gloves to protect your skin from the sun.
Wear sunscreen on skin not covered by clothes
Re-apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours, or more often as needed.
Choose the right sunscreen
Look for these words on the label:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Broad spectrum
- Active ingredients of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both
Avoid tanning or burning your skin
Tanning beds expose you to harmful rays. Often this type of UV light is stronger and can cause more damage in less time than UV rays from the sun.
Protect your eyes
Wear UV-reflective goggles or sunglasses while outside.
Protect your lips
Use lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips from sun damage.
Remember, sun damage can occur on even cloudy and overcast days. Use the tips above every day—even if it is cloudy, raining, or snowing. When you and your loved ones practice sun safety, you can enjoy more of the beauty Utah has to offer. Have fun and stay safe out there!