As the summer months approach, you’ll likely spend more time outdoors with your family. Whether it’s taking your dog on a walk or reacquainting yourself with the beach, know how to protect skin from harmful UV rays. The following dermatology guide explains ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer.

4 Tips for Protecting Your Skin Outdoors

1. Cover Your Body 

When it’s warm outside, you’ll likely want to wear shorts and tank tops. However, cover as much of your skin as possible to block out UV light. Dress your kids in long sleeves and pants in tightly woven yet breathable fabrics, such as linen or cotton. Additionally, wear wide-brimmed hats to protect your face.

2. Use Strong Sunscreen 

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. If you plan to be outdoors with your children for more than about an hour, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply approximately one ounce to the whole body; reapply it after two to three hours. 

3. Find Shade

Sunlight is most direct between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. During these hours, try to stay in the shade with your children as much as possible. This may mean taking shelter beneath a tree in the park, bringing a tent to outdoor festivals, or renting an umbrella at the beach. 

4. Book Dermatology Exams

Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist approximately once per year. They’ll screen you for skin cancer and look for some of the early signs, such as spots, sores, and redness. If detected, they’ll provide skin cancer treatment to ensure the most favorable prognosis. 

Keep your skin healthy and glowing with help from the team at Heibel Dermatology Clinic, LLC. This dermatology practice offers sunspot and skin cancer treatment to patients throughout Lincoln and Columbus, NE. Call (402) 488-6969 or (402) 564-1476 respectively to make an appointment as a new patient and visit the website to learn more about their medical, surgical, and cosmetic procedures.