Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap!

It's easy to get complacent about being outside in the sunshine - especially during the cooler seasons and in the early part of summer when the sun's rays aren't especially hot. But you can get a sunburn any time of the year, and therefore set yourself up for a potential skin cancer diagnosis in the future.

Sometimes it's assumed that a lot of exposure all at once is the most dangerous thing for you. While it's true that spending several unprotected hours in the sun can result in a red, stinging burn, lots of short periods of exposure can cause just as much damage even if your skin doesn't burn. The American Cancer Society has come up with a catch phrase we use in schools when we're providing sun-safety education: "Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap!"

• Slip on a shirt.
• Slop on sunscreen.
• Slap on a hat.
• Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.

SLIP:
When it comes to clothes, longer is better. Longer sleeves and longer pants or skirts protect more of your skin from the sun. That may seem like common sense, but you might be surprised to learn that darker colors offer more protection than light ones. It's often thought that lighter colors are better because they will reflect the sunlight - but light reflection doesn't keep you from getting hit with those burning UV rays. This goes for other shade-providing items such as sun canopies and umbrellas as well. Don't assume that shade = sunburn protection! Pay attention to the weave of fabrics - the tighter the weave, the better protected you are. And while a t-shirt over your swimsuit may cover a few things you'd like to hide, it won't hide you from the sun! Wet fabric offers less protection than dry.

SLOP: 
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing sunscreen. In fact, it can be confusing at times and you can end up being less protected than you thought. Many groups, including the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen – a higher number means more protection. That said, the percentage of increased protection changes only 2% between SPF 30 and SPF 100. (97% vs. 99%) so if you're looking at a big price difference, it's fine to stay with the 30.

When using an SPF 30 sunscreen and applying it thickly, you can count one minute of UVB rays for each 30 minutes you spend in the sun. So, one hour in the sun wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending two  minutes totally unprotected. However, many people do not apply a thick enough layer of sunscreen, so the actual protection they get is less. Lay it on thick, and try to do so at least 30 minutes before actually going out in the sun to let the product soak in well before you start to sweat or get it wet. To be sure you use the right amount, fill your palm to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult.

Pay special attention to areas on your body that are not protected by clothing: the backs of hands, ears, face and legs. Don't forget the tops of your feet if you're wearing sandals! For best results, most sunscreens must be reapplied at least every two hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Products labeled "waterproof" may provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating. Products that are "water resistant" may protect for only 40 minutes. And drying off with a towel will probably rub it off, so be sure to reapply after you take a dip.

SLAP:
All hats are not created equal when it comes to sun protection. A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas such as the ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp that are often exposed to intense sun. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap but has fabric draping down the sides and back) is also a good choice, and will provide more protection for the neck.A traditional baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head but not the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop. Straw hats are not as protective as hats made of tightly woven fabric.

WRAP:
UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes, as well as the eyes themselves. Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increase your chances of developing eye disease.

The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Be sure to check the label before you purchase. Labels that say "UV absorption up to 400 nm" or "Meets ANSI UV Requirements" mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Those labeled "cosmetic" block about 70% of UV rays. If there is no label, don't assume the sunglasses provide any UV protection.
Just as with the light vs. dark fabric surprise, you may be surprised to know that darker glasses are not necessarily better. UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses. Look for an ANSI label.

Large-framed and wraparound sunglasses are more likely to protect your eyes from light coming in from different angles and therefore protect the skin and your eye itself better. Don't forget the kids! Children need smaller versions of real, protective adult sunglasses – not toy sunglasses.They are more expensive, but they're worth it.

All this information and more can be found at the American Cancer Society's website. Including a Sun Safety Quiz to let you test what you've learned. Skin cancer is definitely preventable. Stay safe this summer and have fun for many years to come!