Remember Your Sunscreen This Spring Break: Here’s Why

Spring break is almost here, and you are probably looking forward to some warm weather, the beach, and the ocean. As you pack your bags, make sure you remember to pack sunscreen. The last thing you want is to have your spring break ruined over a bad sunburn, or even worse, suffer long-term consequences such as skin cancer from not protecting your skin. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute break down why it’s so important to remember your sunscreen this spring break.

What to Know About Sunscreen

Why Sunscreen Is Important

As much as we love to see the bright and shining sun, it can be extremely damaging for our skin. The skin lets off harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause skin damage such as sunburn. And down the road, may cause different types of skin cancer. This is where sunscreen comes in. Sunscreen is so important that it should become part of your daily routine. It should be applied every morning whether the sun is shining or hiding. The sun can cause a lot of damage behind a cloud, so it’s best to ensure your skin is always protected. Other reasons applying sunscreen is important include:

• Protection against UV rays: When applied appropriately and consistently, sunscreen reduces your risk of sunburn. It should be applied multiple times per day if you are in direct sun or the water.
• Lower risk of skin cancer: Most skin cancers develop because of sun damage to the skin. Wearing sunscreen cuts the risk in half.
• Prevention of premature aging: Sun damage causes wrinkles and fine lines but using sunscreen can help prevent them from occurring early.

Sunscreen does not guarantee you will not experience sun damage, skin cancer, or signs of aging, but it can significantly help prevent them from occurring, especially early in life. All of these issues are obviously important, but the biggest risk you are taking when not taking sunscreen seriously is skin cancer.

Types of Skin Cancer

There are different types of skin cancer, but most are caused from sun damaged skin over the years. The most common kind and most deadly is melanoma. Melanoma develops inside the body and can spread rapidly if not caught and treated immediately. It is usually not seen with the naked eye and is a result of other skin cancer that may be noticeable on the body, triggering the need for body scans to look for melanoma. Treatment often involves surgery to have the affected areas removed.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a skin cancer found in the upper layer of skin. It appears on the surface of the skin in the form of a red, crusty bump. It typically is found on areas most exposed to the sun but can appear pretty much anywhere. Treatment includes excision of the affected area.

Lastly, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is found on the upper layer of skin. It may appear to be a shiny, translucent bump or an elevated growth. BCC is typically found on areas most exposed to the sun. Treatment includes excision like SCC.

We want to make sure that while you have fun on spring break, you also protect your skin from immediate sun damage or damage down the line. If you are in the Bloomington, Illinois or surrounding area, complete this form to learn more and get in touch with a dermatologist at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute.