Summer Tan-Tastic!

I find it terribly unfortunate that being tan is so glamorous. You may think I’m saying this because I’m of Northern European ancestry and couldn’t get a tan if my life depended on it. Hardly. I can tan with the best of ‘em. I’m saying this because it’s nearly summertime and Americans have terribly unhealthy skin care behaviors when it comes to the sun. I work on a college campus and have a pool in my neighborhood and I have seen so many people of Northern European ancestry out trying to get a tan. News Flash: If you’ve never gotten a tan in your life, why would this year be any different?

But I’m not just going to target the pale, pasty types – though fair skinned, light-eyed people are at greater risk for severe sun burns and skin cancer – no, EVERYONE needs to think about taking care of their skin for the long run.

As a 20 something, being tan may make you the envy of all your friends, and as a 30 something getting a tan can make you appear 5 pounds lighter. But what can extended and unprotected sun exposure do for you in your 40’s, 50’s, and beyond? Sun exposure (and tanning beds!) commonly leads to wrinkles, leathery skin, sun/age spots, increased risk for cataracts (eyes), and increased risk for skin cancer. Last I checked, none of these are glamorous.

According to the CDC, you are at an increased risk for skin cancer if you have:

• A lighter natural skin color.
• Family history of skin cancer.
• A personal history of skin cancer.
• Exposure to the sun through work and play.
• A history of sunburns early in life.
• Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
• Blue or green eyes.
• Blond or red hair.
• Certain types and a large number of moles.

Though most of these are not true for me, I did have serious sunburns as a teenager, which is one of the greatest predictors of skin cancer later in life. Now I Take precautions when I know I’ll be exposed to the sun for any length of time. Some things I do include:

· Seeking shade, whether it’s under a tree or the shadow of a building

· Wearing a hat when I’m doing work outside or going for a run

· Wearing sunglasses especially when I’m near water

· Slathering on sunscreen that’s a higher SPF than I probably need

Even though I’m not fair-skinned, I wear SPF 30 sun block or higher anytime I’m outside. I know everyone has their favorite sunscreens or sun blocks based on smell or functionality (e.g. oil-free, spray-on, waterproof), but to see how your sunscreen or sun block stacks up against the competition, check out reviews at http://www.consumersearch.com/sunscreen.

I hope I didn’t spoil the summer for the sun gods and goddesses out there…