Admit it - you want to be tan. You know it's not safe, but you ignore the warnings and do it anyway.
In some of the northern climates, it can come with even more risk as UV rays start to increase, including in Minnesota. Despite being the most northern U.S. state in the lower 48, Minnesota routinely ranks second or third in the country for skin cancer rates. The reasons? They are not surprising.
It's common say the experts. We are a fair-skinned people, tend to get burned on our winter vacations, still go to tanning beds, and we've been doing it for years.
"So those really intermittent sunburns can cause significant DNA damage, which then leads to skin cancer," says Allina Health Lead Dermatologist Elizabeth Farhat.
She says to prevent it sun protection is a must - even in the car.
"The glass can block UVB, but the UVA is still coming through the glass, which is unfortunate. You're still getting that DNA damage," says Farhat.
And yes, our devices are a problem too.
"If you're going to be out in the sun and you're using your phone, as we all have our cell phones and our tablets, those are all reflective," Farhat explains. "So those can reflect sun, so that increases our sun exposure."
Farhat also says sun damage is cumulative and can take years to show up as wrinkles, spots and even cancer.
Coming off winter in the northern climate, our fair skin can get easily sunburnt on our spring break vacations.
But Farhat says skin cancer doesn't happen overnight.
"A lot of sun damage is cumulative though, so it just adds up over time," she adds. "So even though we're at a higher latitude, we still get small amounts of sun every single day and that adds up."
Farhat says if you're going to be in the sun, sunscreen is a must to protect against skin cancer. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Don’t get sunburned.
- Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Find sunscreen by searching our Recommended Products.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
- Get all the details: Your Daily Sun Protection Guide. Skin Cancer Prevention PDF.
