- I’m not at risk, I don’t go outside all that much. Dermatologists find that even brief exposure to the sun throughout the year can add up and cause damage to people with fair skin. This can include exposure to the sun through a car window, sitting in the sun in the house, even walking around outside while shopping. All of this can expose your skin to damaging UV rays, which can lead to increased risk of developing skin cancer. Protect yourself by using window film to protect against harmful rays and applying sunscreen regularly.
- It’s cloudy out, I don’t need to wear sunscreen. You can actually get sunburnt on a cloudy day. For some people, they can get the worst sunburns because they spend a prolonged amount of time outdoors unprotected. Harmful rays can still come through the clouds, causing harm to your skin and, in turn, increasing your risk of skin cancer. Protect yourself by wearing sunscreen, even in cloudy weather.
- People of color are immune from sun damage and skin cancer. Though people with naturally darker skin have a lower risk of developing skin cancer than those with lighter complexions, they are not immune to it. Overexposure to the sun can still cause UV damage. And, skin cancer in people with darker skin is often not detected until later stages, which is more dangerous. Protect yourself by limiting sun exposure and wearing sunscreen whenever you do go out, no matter how dark your skin is.
- It’s winter. I don’t need sunscreen. The sun’s intensity can be lower during the summer, but the snow can reflect damaging rays of sun, increasing your chance of sunburn. Protect yourself by limiting time outdoors and wearing sunblock, even though it is winter.
Contact Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, Charlotte’s top Ballantyne and Blakeney Dermatologist, for your dermatology care.