Tips for Healthy Summer Skin
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, an estimated 12,000 people will die from it this year. Learn what skin cancer looks like and how you can have fun in the sun this summer without getting burned.
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8 Summer Skin Myths
Summer Skin Myth #1
You won't burn if you have a base tan.
It might take you a little longer to burn if you have a base tan, but it does not prevent sunburn. A base tan still causes aging and can be linked to skin cancer.
Find out more
Summer Skin Myth #2
All sunscreens protect against skin cancer.
Not all sunscreens protect from UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays cause burning, but UVA rays are just as harmful—and maybe even worse because they penetrate deeper into the skin.
UVB vs. UVA rays
Summer Skin Myth #3
You can't burn if you have darker skin.
People with darker complexions do have a natural SPF factor, but they can still can get sunburned.
Get the truth
Summer Skin Myth #4
The number of moles you have is the biggest risk factor for skin cancer.
The average person has 25 moles on his or her body, so while more moles may raise risk, it's lifestyle factors that have the most impact.
Your biggest risk factors
Summer Skin Myth #5
You can't get sunburned on a cloudy day.
Up to 80 percent of UV rays can pass through the clouds. So even if the sun isn't shining you can still get burned.
Why you should wear sunscreen daily
Summer Skin Myth #6
If you had just one bad sunburn as a child, you don't have to worry about skin cancer.
One blistering sunburn early in life more than doubles your risk of melanoma.
How many sunburns are too many?
Summer Skin Myth #7
It's safer to tan in a tanning bed than in the sun.
You may not burn in a tanning bed, but your skin receives far worse UV damage. In fact, exposure to UV radiation from tanning beds before age 35 hikes your risk of melanoma by 75 percent.
Learn more
Summer Skin Myth #8
Tanning is safe as long as you don't burn.
Both a tan and a sunburn are forms of skin damage. Sunburn is just more severe.
How tanning damages skin
- Q: What are the most common types of skin cancer?
- Q: How does the sun hurt my skin?
- Q: What SPF should I use?
- Q: Which sunscreens are best?
- Q: What foods can I eat to help protect my skin from sun damage?
- Q: What steps can I take to prevent skin cancer?
- Q: What are treatment options for skin cancer?
- a thick growth
- a recurring pimple
- a round mole
- a scaly patch
Get advice from Sharecare experts on everything from how to get a good night's sleep to what to eat before you work out.
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Warm summer rays may feel good—but without proper precautions, staying out in the sun can come at a high price. Watch these videos to learn more about how the sun affects your skin, and how to spot signs of skin cancer.
Dermatology
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