Vacation conjures up images of warm weather, sunny beaches and fun. Dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale knows that the unprotected sun exposure students often seek can result in skin damage, premature aging or even certain types of skin cancer. "When the tan shows, the cellular damage is already done," she warns. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one blistering sunburn when you are young more than doubles your chance of developing a melanoma later in life.
Therefore, whether you are enjoying Spring Break at the beach or the slopes, protecting your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays is critical. Dr. Hale says have fun, but be smart. "I recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that provides UVA/UVB protection with a high SPF," says Hale. She also says to remember that the sun's rays are ever present. UV rays penetrate clouds, reflect off snow and UVA rays even pass through glass. Although you may be tempted by the allure of a tan today, the damage you'll do could make you look a whole lot worse in the future.
Beth Lange, PhD, Senior Director at the Coppertone Solar Research Center says, "Our research is driven by a wide range of consumer application preferences and uses and we formulate our products to meet the broad protection needs that are crucial for maintaining healthy skin." She adds, "choose a product that is convenient and easy to apply such as Coppertone UltraGUARD Continuous Spray SPF 50 or Coppertone SPORT Faces SPF 50 that is waterproof and sweatproof, especially if you are very active."
Protect your skin this Spring Break with more guidelines from Dr. Lange:
- Apply. Apply. Apply. Because the sun may cause damage immediately, don't forget to apply sunscreen before you go into the sun. Remember to reapply every 80 minutes and after swimming, toweling off or sweating (even if the sunscreen is waterproof and sweatproof).
- Double-Up. When you think you have applied enough...apply some more. It takes at least one ounce of sunscreen to properly protect your face and body. That means over a weekend you could easily use an entire six-ounce bottle of sunscreen. With sun protection, more really is better.
- Follow the shadow rule. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's rays are at their strongest. Cover up with sun protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses and head for the shade.
- Choose a sunscreen that you'll actually use. If it feels good on your skin and is easy to use, you'll be more likely to reapply.
- Products that withstand the elements are key. Whether you are playing volleyball, running on the beach or even surfing, use a sunscreen that is waterproof and ultra-sweatproof (so it won't run into your eyes and sting).
- Protect yourself on the slopes. Remember snow reflects the sun and higher altitudes can increase your chance of burning.
- See a dermatologist once a year for a skin check -- no matter what your age. If detected early, melanoma can be treatable (survival rates for patients with early detection are about 99% but decrease depending on how far the melanoma has spread).