Staying Sun-Safe Year Round In Cayman

Why Is Sun-Safety Important?

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and makes up the first-line of defense for your immune system. Keeping it protected from the harsh sun is essential for skin cancer prevention and overall health. Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined. More than 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun.

There Are 3 Different Types Of Skin Cancer:

Basil cell carcinoma – Most common and correlated with sun accumulation over many years
Squamous Cell carcinoma – Correlated with sun accumulation over many years
Melanoma – The most life-threatening and is believed to be the result of brief, intense exposure – a blistering sunburn – rather than years of tanning.

Which Products Are Best?

American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen that is:
SPF 30 or higher
Broad spectrum (means that it protects the skin from ultraviolet A and B rays which can both cause cancer)
Water resistant

There are two basic kinds of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical (avobenzone, oxybenzone) work by absorbing UV rays while physical (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) work by deflecting them. Both are equally effective and oftentimes, products consist of both. Physical sunscreens are slightly less cosmetically appealing due to their chalky nature but are best for people who have unusual sensitivities to UV radiation.

How Should It Be Applied?

Sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before going into the sun
1oz (amount in a shot glass) is considered enough to cover exposed areas of skin
Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating
Don’t forget feet, ears, and lips! Use extra care near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun
Sunscreen can be safely used on babies 6 months and older

REMEMBER: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade!

Healthy Skin Tips

Your body gets Vitamin D from the sun but taking a supplement can be safer. We recommend 1000 to 2000IU daily – talk to your pharmacist and your physician about getting the appropriate amount.

Check your “birthday suit” on your birthday – check skin for changes. See a dermatologist if you see anything growing or bleeding on your skin.

People who use sunscreen daily show 24 percent less skin aging than those who do not use sunscreen daily

Soothing A Sunburn

Apply aloe to moisturize burnt skin
Stay hydrated! A sun burn dehydrates the skin so drink lots of fluids and apply cool compresses to red skin as needed.
Ease the pain with acetaminophen/paracetamol or ibuprofen
Keep affected skin covered from the sun for at least a week.