According to Barney Kenet, MD, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in a recent bottomline HEALTH wrote: “Statistics show that
fewer than 15% of men and 30 % of women bother to use sunscreen regularly on their faces and other exposed skin when they are outside for more than an hour.. In 2019, melanoma is expected to be diagnosed in 100,000 Americans. More than three million Americans are diagnosed each year with other types of skin cancer.”
Golf and baseball hats don’t protect the ears from sun exposure. Both men and women should choose a hat with a minimum 2 to 3 inch wide brim.
Lips are prone to developing precancerous lesions, when untreated can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer.
Pay close attention to terms on the label. “Broad spectrum” means that it protects against UVA rays (which contribute to premature skin aging) and UVB rays (sunburn). Both can lead to skin cancer. “Water-resistant”, this means that it protects wet or sweaty skin for 40 to 80 minutes.
“Sun-protective clothing”. Even though you get some protection from regular shirts…think dark synthetic or tightly woven fabrics…”sun protective clothing” does a far better job. This clothing is rated with a UPF, which stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, represents the amount of UVA and UVB rays that can penetrate a particular fabric. A UPF of 50 allows only one-fiftieth of UV radiation to reach the skin.
“Don’t forget your tips”. Tips of the ears, the scalp and the tops of hands are vulnerable to developing skin cancers due to their cumulative sun exposure. What to try: A lip protectant stick SPF 20 or 30 that allows precise
application is helpful..
“STAY SAFE AND ENJOY THE SUMMER”