Summer is officially here, which makes it a good time to remind everyone about the dangers of sun exposure. While most everybody is aware that the sun can be damaging to the skin, 59% of Americans still don't use sunscreen and 16% of people have missed work because of a sunburn. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable. Ninety percent of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Some simple changes to your daily regimen can help you avoid this disease as well as the burns, premature aging, wrinkles and liver spots that can be caused by the sun's rays.

Protect yourself - everyday. Your skin is exposed to the sun year-round, even when it's cold or cloudy. You may not think you are spending a lot of time in the sun, but daily doses can add up. You skin is exposed to the sun every time you walk to and from your car, while you are driving, and during your workday if you are near a window. Apply sunscreen or moisturizer with sunscreen as part of your daily routine year-round.

Block wisely. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and cover the exposed parts of your body with at least one ounce of sunscreen (the size of a golf ball). Don't forget often missed and highly exposed places such as ears, nose, chest and hands. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside for the best effects and don't forget to reapply after swimming or exercise. Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants and a wide brimmed hat for added defense. Certain fabrics protect the skin more than others. If you aren't sure of the protection you are getting, hold the garment up to a light or window to see how much light goes through the fabric. The less light you see, the more protective the fabric. There are also products available that can be added to your laundry to increase the fabric's ability to block the sun's rays.

Skip the tan. It's not just sunburn that spells trouble. Tan skin is already damaged. Limit direct sun exposure during midday when the sun's rays are most intense, usually between 10 am and 4 pm. If you don't want to forego the look of a tan, consider using a self-tanner instead.

Get checked. UV damage is cumulative and damage can begin long before there are any visible signs. Be sure to do a monthly head-to-toe skin self exam and see a dermatologist regularly for a full body skin check. See your doctor right away if you notice a new skin growth, a bothersome change in your skin, a change in the appearance or texture of a mole, or a sore that doesn't heal within two weeks.

Some Common Myths about Sun Exposure

Myth 1: I only need to use sunscreen during the summer.
Fact: You are exposed to UV light year-round. Even if it is cloudy, up to 90% of the sun's rays can still penetrate through. Use sunscreen every day, every season.

Myth 2: Sunscreen gives me an instant protective barrier from the sun.
Fact: Most sunscreens can take 20-30 minutes to start working so apply sunscreen before going outside.

Myth 3: Tanning beds and sunlamps are a good way to get a safe tan.
Fact: There is no such thing as a safe tan! Spending one session in a tanning bed is the equivalent of spending one full day at the beach without sunscreen. Exposure to the highly concentrated UV rays in tanning beds and sunlamps may be even more dangerous than unprotected exposure to the sun.

Myth 4: If I'm wearing sunscreen, I can stay in the sun as long as I want.
Fact: Prolonged exposure to the sun is never good for your skin. Sunscreens can't provide total and complete protection from all UV rays. Instead you should seek shade and limit time in the midday sun. Also, protect yourself with a shirt, hat and sunglasses.

On the Horizon
Help for those who always burn - A new drug may help make tanning less risky.

A report in the Archives of Dermatology found that an injection of a synthetic hormone called Melanotan-1 speeds up the skin's production of pigment when exposed to the sun. Those who got a daily injection and were exposed to sunlight for 15 to 35 minutes per day tanned in half the time as those who received no Melanotan-1 and their tans lasted 3 weeks longer. Researchers also discovered that the injected group had 47 percent fewer sunburn cells (less sun damage), which could mean the melanin stimulated by Melanotan-1 acts as a buffer, allowing fewer harmful rays to penetrate the skin. This could be a promising treatment for people that can't be in the sun due to certain skin conditions or those who are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Melanotan-1 should not be used by individuals that want to stay out in the sun longer only to get more tan. EpiTan, the Australia-based pharmaceutical company behind Melanotan-1, hopes the drug will be available by prescription within the next few years.¹

¹Bender, Michele. A Shot of Safe Sun. Health. June 2005: 31-32.