Sun Health and Skin Care

Although the summer sun has taken a while to show itself this year, sun health and skin care need to be a priority all year round! Damaging UV rays, although stronger when the sun is shining and we’re in the summer season, affect our skin in cloudy, cold, fall, spring and winter weather too. Because we’re more likely to wear less clothing in the summer, and be outside more often, here are some tips that you can keep in mind now and ever after!

SKIN CANCER FACTS:
1) More than a million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
2) Melanoma kills more young women than any other cancer.
For more information on skin cancer, check out www.skincancer.org/skincancer-facts.php

Here are some top sun health and skin care tips:

Check your body every month for one or more of the following ABCD warning signs:

Suspicious mole? Not sure? Make an appointment with a Doctor at HCS by calling 778-782-4615, or dropping by.

Skin damaging UV rays:

The sun’s rays are strongest

• between 10am and 4pm
• between May and August
• in the mountains
• the longer you are exposed to the sun’s rays, the more at risk you are for sun damage

Loved the tanned look?
Two great alternatives to a natural tan are bronzers and self-tanning lotions. Do a quick test patch on part of your body to be sure you won’t have an allergic reaction and to test the colour before putting it all over your body!

The truth about tanning booths:
Artificial UV rays are just as dangerous as natural UV rays.

Protect Yourself

• Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15 daily (even on cloudy days)
• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes BEFORE going outside
• Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming, toweling off, or sweating
• Avoid the sun between 10am-4 pm and seek shade
• Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV protective sunglasses, and tight-weave, full length, loose fitting clothing