8 Steps to Follow on "Don't Fry Day"—and Everyday

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Today, the Friday before Memorial Day, is officially "Don't Fry Day," designated by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.

The campaign's goal is to encourage people to be wise about sun safety. The Council shares eight steps to follow in order to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Don't forget to share with your skin care clients!

1. Do NOT burn.

A study published last year found that those who had at least five blistering sunburns from the age of 15 to 20-years-old had a 68% increased risk for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and an 80% risk for melanoma. 

2. Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds.

Not only does UV rays cause accelerate aging, but it also greatly increases the risk for skin cancer.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently raised indoor tanning devices classification from Class I level—the category for items that have minimal potential to cause harm to individuals, such as adhesive bandages and tongue depressors—to a Class II level.

3. Generously apply sunscreen.

Sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 30 and provide broad-spectrum protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even when it's cloudy, and after swimming or sweating.

4. Wear protective clothing.

When possible, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

5. Seek shade.

Seek shade as often as possible, especially during the hours of 10AM and 4PM.

6. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand.

Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, increasing your risk for sunburn.

7. Check the UV Index.

The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA.

8. Get vitamin D safely.

Instead of relying on the sun for vitamin D, seek it safely through a diet and supplements.

 

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